Chapter 3 - Political Parties Theory Flashcards
Define the term Political Party
A group of like minded individuals who seek to realise their shared goals by fielding candidates at elections and thereby securing election to office
What is a nationalist party?
A party that looks to nurture cultural identity (eg. SNP, Plaid Cymru) Not all want total independence
What is a single issue party?
A party offering a wide range of policies rooted in a single ideological persepective (eg Green Party), or concerned with a particular issue (eg UKIP) or specific policy (eg Pro Life)
Why is it argued niche parties have risen in popularity over recent years?
Because the main parties have moved towards the centre
Define a ‘single-party system’
One dominant party, bans all other parties and has total control over candidacy
Define a ‘dominant-party system’
A number of parties exist but only one holds government power
Define a ‘multi-party system’
Many parties compete for power and government consists of a series of coalitions formed by different combinations of parties
Define a ‘two-party system’
Where two fairly equally matched parties compete for power at elections and others have little realistic chance at office
