Chapter 2 - Emerging and minor political parties Flashcards
What sort of political system was the UK up until the mid-1990s?
A two-party system.
In the 2015 general election, how many seats did the SNP win in Scotland?
56/59
How many Westminster seats are there available in Scotland?
59
How many seats did the SNP win in the 2017 general election?
35
How many seats did the SNP win in the 2019 general election?
48
How much of the popular vote did UKIP win in the 2015 general election?
12.6%
How many seats did UKIP win at the 2015 general election?
1 (with 12.6% of the vote).
Even though UKIP struggles to get any seats, how does it have an impact at general elections?
It takes seats away from the main parties, forcing them to take note of the issues they promoted - hence the EU referendum.
How much of the vote did the Green party win in the 2015 general election?
3.8%, with one seat.
Who is the one Green MP?
Caroline Lucas
Is the UK still a two-party system?
No. Two parties still dominate, but other smaller parties make an impact, meaning we are a multi-party system.
Where is there a greater choice of parties for voters to choose from?
In the devolved regions.
For as long as Scotland remains in the UK, what constitutional reforms does the SNP support?
- An elected second chamber.
- Proportional representation.
- Votes for 16-year-olds.
How has the growth in support for the SNP forced the main parties to change their policy proposals?
They all support further devolution to Scotland.
Other than holding an EU referendum, how did UKIP influence the policy of the Conservative Party?
They forced the Conservatives to introduce strict targets for reducing immigration.
The UK generally has a stable political system, but when was the one significant period of adversary politics?
1979-1990, Margaret Thatcher.
What is the overall objective of the SNP?
Scottish independence
What sort of ideology does the SNP have?
It is social democratic.
What has the SNP done to achieve equality of opportunity?
Abolished university tuition fees.
What is UKIP opposed to?
- High immigration of people without wanted skills.
- Government interference in the economy.
- International aid.
- Devolution.
What are the Green Party’s policies?
- Building of new homes to solve the housing crisis.
- Abolition of university fees.
- £10 minimum wage.
What did the Tories agree with the DUP in 2017?
A confidence and supply agreement - a less formal cooperation than a coalition.
What did the Brexit Party do in the 2017 election to influence the outcome?
They did not contest seats in Conservative constituencies to ensure a pre-brexit, right wing outcome.
Who has just become the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, following the May elections?
Sinn Fein, overtaking the DUP
How many seats does the SNP have in the Scottish Parliament?
64 - one seat short of a majority
Who is the SNP in coalition with?
The Scottish Greens - despite this, they are still considered the dominant party in Scotland
What does Sinn Fein want to achieve?
They are republican, and want NI to join the Republic of Ireland
