Comparing election and party systems Flashcards
Describe the term lengths for senators and MPs in the USA and UK.
In the USA, senators serve a term of 6 years, while House members serve 2 years, as set out in the Constitution. In the UK, MPs serve a term of 5 years; under the Septennial Act 1716, a parliament could last up to 7 years, but this was reduced to five under Parliament Act 1911.
Explain the process for changing term lengths in the USA and UK.
In the USA, changing term lengths for House legislators would require a constitutional amendment. In the UK, changes to term lengths can be made through an Act of Parliament.
Define the overall term limits for the Prime Minister in the UK compared to the President in the USA.
The UK Prime Minister has no overall term limit, while the USA President is limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment; Blair and Thatcher served 10 or more years.
How do the number of elected offices compare between the USA and UK?
The USA has a longer list of elected offices and ballot initiatives compared to the UK, which has fewer elected positions.
Describe the primary election system in the USA and its status in the UK.
Primary elections are universal in the USA, allowing voters to select party candidates, while the UK has virtually untried primary elections, with only a few local polls for Tory candidates after the expense scandal.
Explain the concept of devolution in the UK and its impact on elections.
Devolution in the UK since 1997 has created more parity in elections, meaning Westminster elections are no longer the only significant elections.
What electoral systems are primarily used in the USA and UK for legislatures?
Both countries primarily use majoritarian or First Past the Post (FPTP) systems for legislatures, but the UK has more variety in its electoral systems; Regional assemblies and until 2020, European Parliament elections use other electoral systems including AMS and STV; coalitions or minority govs common in devolved assemblies – not apparent at any level of gov in US.
Describe the types of elections held at the state level in the USA.
In the USA, there are regular state-level elections for governors and state legislatures, which hold considerable power within the federal framework.
How has social media been used in election campaigns in the USA and UK?
During election campaigns, both countries have increasingly used social media for targeted ads; for example, Labour used ads targeting females focusing on policy of compensating Waspi women affected by change in state pension age - seen more than 3m times and exclusively viewed by women aged 55 and over; in first 8 months of 2019 during early stages of re-election campaign, Trump’s campaign controversially used the term ‘invasion’ in Facebook ads.
Describe the emphasis on personal qualities of candidates in elections.
Both parties in the USA and UK emphasize the personal skills and qualities of their candidates, such as Trump’s business deal-making skills and Boris Johnson’s experience as Mayor of London.
What is the significance of the 2019 UK Labour Party’s campaign promises?
The 2019 Labour Party promised to abolish Universal Credit and end poverty by guaranteeing a minimum standard of living, focusing on social justice.
Explain the impact of the 22nd Amendment on the US presidency.
The 22nd Amendment imposes a two-term limit on the presidency in the USA, preventing any individual from serving more than two elected terms.
Describe the role of swing states in elections.
Swing states are crucial in determining election outcomes as they can be won by either major political party, influencing the overall result.
Explain the significance of marginal constituencies in the UK elections.
Marginal constituencies are those where the winning margin is small, making them key targets for parties aiming to gain or retain seats in Parliament.
How did Biden’s campaign strategy in 2020 reflect the importance of swing states?
Biden focused 40% of his campaign efforts on Midwest Rust Belt states, including 16 visits to Pennsylvania, highlighting the strategic importance of swing states.
What was the focus of Kamala Harris’s campaign in 2024?
Harris concentrated on swing states, allocating more resources to these areas and performing better than the national average.
Define the differences in campaign styles between the US and UK.
US campaigns often feature more personal and vitriolic attacks; Trump - ‘lock her up’ chants at rallies, speakers in 2024 referred to Harris as the ‘antichrist’; opponents of George Wallace used slogans like ‘If you liked Hitler, you’ll love Wallace’.
Explain the cultural aspects influencing US elections.
US elections are heavily influenced by individualistic culture, emphasizing personal qualities and skills of candidates, unlike the more party-focused UK system.
How do televised debates differ between the US and UK?
US debates have historically included only major party candidates, though Ross Perot appeared in 1992, first TV debate took place in 1960; UK debates often feature leaders from multiple parties, reflecting a broader political spectrum, starting more recently in 2010.
Describe the candidate selection process in the US and UK.
The US uses primaries and caucuses for candidate selection, a process that has become fundamental in the last 50 years; historic participation of UK voters in candidate selection has been limited to party members and in generally declining numbers.
What trends are observed in voting behavior among youth in both countries?
In both the US and UK, the youth vote tends to favor more liberal or progressive parties; in 2024, 40% of 18-24 vote went to Labour, while only 14% went to Conservatives; Harris won 52% of youth vote, as well as over 65s.
Compare voter turnout rates between the US and UK.
Voter turnout in the US has ranged from 52-63%, while in the UK it has been higher, ranging from 59-77%.
How do ethnic minorities vote in the UK and US elections?
In the US, 85% of black voters supported Harris, while in the UK, voting intention showed that 53% of ethnic minorities would vote for Labour in 2024.
What similarities exist between the two-party systems in the UK and US?
Both systems feature parties that encompass a range of views and can be seen as internal coalitions, with distinct ideological differences; hard-left Momentum (Labour) and one-nation Tories; Tea Party Reps and progressive Dems.
Define the ideological distinctions between major parties in the US and UK.
In both countries, major parties have distinct ideologies; for example, Tories and Republicans favor lower taxes and stricter immigration, while Labour and Democrats emphasize minority rights and environmental policies.
Describe the internal party rebellions in both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Internal party rebellions in both parties reflect a broad spectrum of ideas and policy positions, manifesting in leadership contests, such as the 2019 Democratic primaries where Warren and Sanders represented the progressive wing, while Biden and Buttigieg were more centrist.
Explain the significance of the electoral system for party dominance in the UK and USA.
Both parties in the UK and USA favor retaining their current electoral systems because these systems aid their dominance, with the UK parties being more ideologically distinct and the US parties experiencing a weaker central control due to the size and diversity of the country.
How do the main divides differ between the Conservative Party and the Republican Party?
The main divide in the Conservative Party, at least up to 2019, was the Leave/Remain issue regarding Brexit, while the Republican Party’s divides are primarily around foreign policy, trade, and the extent of federal government reach.
Define the ideological differences between the Conservative Party and the Republican Party on social issues.
The Conservative Party is generally more socially progressive than the Republican Party, supporting issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, and firmly backing the NHS, whereas Republicans typically oppose socialized healthcare.
Do the Democratic Party and Labour Party differ in their ideological positions?
Yes, the Democratic Party is generally more moderate and centrist compared to the Labour Party, although the election of Starmer has pushed Labour more towards the center.
Explain the concept of party unity in the legislature between the UK and USA.
Party unity in the legislature is generally lower in the USA compared to the UK, although there were significant internal divides in UK parliamentary parties from 2015-2019, with May in 2018-19 facing large-scale backbench revolts over Brexit deals; US parties in Congress have become increasingly unified, with no House Reps and only two House Dems breaking party ranks in Trump impeachment vote.
How does the size and diversity of the USA affect party dominance?
The dominance of central or national parties is much weaker in the USA due to the country’s size and diversity, with primaries contributing to weakened central control over local state parties.
Describe the electoral competition in the UK for devolved assemblies.
In some elections, particularly European and for devolved assemblies, Labour and Conservatives compete under alternative electoral systems, resulting in neither party dominating these elections to the same extent as in general elections.
Explain the cultural factors contributing to the two-party system in the UK and USA.
Both the UK and USA have been accustomed to two-party domination, partly due to their majoritarian electoral systems, with the UK having an official designation of ‘Her Majesty’s Official Opposition’ and the USA having House/Senate Minority Leaders.
How do third parties in the UK compare to those in the USA?
UK third parties have deeper historical roots, with the Liberal Democrats tracing back to the early parliamentary government, while the two largest third parties in the USA, the Libertarians and Green Party, are of much more recent origin.
Define the historical roots of nationalist parties in the UK.
Nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales have historical roots dating back to the interwar period, while in Northern Ireland, the unionist/nationalist divide has its origins in the 19th century.
Explain the concept of ‘wasted votes’ in the context of the US electoral system.
In the US electoral system, votes for third parties are often considered wasted votes, leading voters to be encouraged to choose the lesser of two evils among the main parties.
Describe the historical trend of third parties in US party politics.
Third parties in US party politics have typically risen and then quickly disappeared, as exemplified by George Wallace and the American Independent Party.
Explain the impact of regional and cultural diversity on party politics in the UK and US.
In the UK, distinct cultures of devolved regions foster the existence of nationalist parties like the SNP and Plaid Cymru, while in the US, the vast cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity leads to numerous local parties, complicating national politics.
Define the structural dimension that affects the two-party system in the US.
The use of First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system solidifies the two-party dominance, with additional factors like ballot access laws making it difficult for third-party candidates to compete.
How do ballot access laws differ between the US and the UK for third-party candidates?
In the US, ballot access laws are stringent, exemplified by a $35,000 filing fee for third-party presidential candidates in Oklahoma, while in the UK, candidates only need £500 and a nomination form signed by ten voters.
Explain the challenges third parties face in participating in TV debates in the US.
Third parties in the US often face obstacles in participating in TV debates, whereas such participation is more common for third parties in the UK.
Discuss the rational aspect of the two-party system in the US.
The dominance of the two-party system reinforces itself, as even independent-minded candidates like Trump and Sanders often choose to run for nomination within one of the two main parties due to the existence of primaries.
How does the primary system in the US influence candidate behavior?
The primary system attracts a wide range of candidates who often operate independently from central party organizations, leading to a perception that US parties consist of many independent political operatives.
Describe the phenomenon of party defections in US politics.
Party defections in the US typically occur between the two main parties, as seen when New Jersey congressman Jeff Van Drew switched from the Democrats to the Republicans in 2020.
Explain the appeal of the UK political system for candidates outside the main parties.
The UK political system, lacking a primary system, offers more opportunities for candidates to seek election with parties other than Labour and Conservative, attracting disillusioned MPs to stand as independents.
Discuss the significance of tactical voting in the UK.
Tactical voting in the UK allows voters to support third parties in constituencies where Labour and Conservative are not the only options, benefiting parties like the Lib Dems, as seen in the 2019 election in St Albans, where Daisy Cooper defeated the incumbent Conservative MP; helped by collapse in Labour vote, which fell by over 8,000, suggesting that large chunk of Labour voters had tactically switched votes.
What was the combined vote share of the two main parties in the 2019 UK General Election?
In the 2019 UK General Election, the two main parties received a combined vote share of just over 75% and won 87% of the seats.
Compare the support for third parties in the UK and the US based on recent elections.
UK politics has historically attracted more support for third parties than the US, as evidenced by the 2019 UK General Election where third parties had a notable presence, compared to the 2020 US presidential election where Trump and Biden received a combined vote share of 98%.
Describe the significance of third parties in the UK political system.
Third parties in the UK play a significant role in balancing power, influencing policy direction, and providing representation in devolved assemblies, unlike in the US where third parties struggle to gain legislative influence.
Explain the impact of coalition governments on third parties in the UK.
Coalition governments, such as the one between the Tories and Lib Dems from 2010-2015, allow third parties to have a hand in policy direction and secure funding agreements, enhancing their significance; During May’s minority gov, confidence and supply agreement with DUP; secured extra £1bn of funding for Northern Ireland.
How do electoral systems in the UK support third party representation?
The use of proportional representation systems like STV and AMS in devolved assemblies allows for a more diverse representation of parties, making it difficult for main parties to dominate.
Define the role of independent candidates in the US compared to the UK.
In the US, many third parties are effectively independent candidates who were once part of major parties, while in the UK, true independents are rare, with few elected outside of small alliances.
Explain the concept of ‘spoiling’ in elections and its relevance in the US and UK.
‘Spoiling’ refers to third parties drawing votes away from major parties, which can affect election outcomes; this has been observed in both the US and UK, such as the Brexit Party’s impact in the 2019 elections in Ed Miliband’s seat.
Describe the similarities in party policies between the UK Conservatives and US Republicans.
Both parties advocate for lower taxes, strong armed forces, a strong nation state, individual freedoms, and are willing to abandon fiscal prudence during crises.
How do third parties in the US differ from those in the UK regarding legislative influence?
Third parties in the US are often excluded from the legislature and struggle for influence, while in the UK, they can participate in coalitions and have a more significant impact on policy.
Explain the historical context of third parties in the US political system.
Historically, third parties in the US have been marginalized, with no significant legislative representation and often revolving around single figures, limiting their impact on broader policy.
How do the electoral dynamics in local councils in the UK differ from those in the US?
Local councils in the UK can be run by third parties, allowing for greater political diversity, whereas US local governments typically adhere to a two-party system.
Describe the emergency measures taken during the pandemic by Trump and BJ.
They passed government support measures at great expense to keep businesses afloat.
Explain the common goal of Labour and Democratic parties regarding economic disparity.
Both parties aim to reduce the economic gap between the richest and poorest through progressive taxation; 2019 Labour manifesto contained pledge to introduce new 45% income tax rate starting £80,000 a year; US 2024 – tax those earning more than $400,000 more
How do Labour and Democrats approach public services?
Both parties advocate for increased public spending to improve public services for all; Blair’s administration sought ‘education, education, education’, while spending on NHS greatly ramped up; under Obama – ACA.
Explain the international cooperation stance of Labour and Democrats.
Both parties are enthusiastic about global bodies and internationalism, with Labour being pro-EU and Democrats favoring multilateral approaches.
Describe the attitude of Labour and Democrats towards multiculturalism.
Both parties are open and positive about the benefits of multiculturalism, priding themselves on inclusivity and tolerance.
What are some social policy differences between Republicans and Tories?
Republicans are more socially conservative, opposing same-sex marriage and being more pro-life compared to Tories.
How do Republicans and Tories differ in their approach to government intervention?
Republicans have a militant libertarian streak and oppose government measures like vaccinations and lockdowns, while Tories focus on challenging EU interference.
What is a notable difference in healthcare policy between Democrats and UK parties?
Some Democrats oppose universal healthcare, whereas no major party in the UK would consider privatizing healthcare.
Define the ideological influences on UK parties compared to US parties.
UK parties are more ideological and influenced by key thinkers, such as socialist thinkers for Labour and Disraeli for Tories.
How do party labels in the US differ from those in the UK?
Party labels in the US are often meaningless regarding origins or policy positions, as both parties support the notion of a republic and democracy.
Describe the relationship between Tory PM Thatcher and Rep president Reagan.
Thatcher and Reagan had a strong relationship in the 1980s due to their shared commitment to free market principles and opposition to Soviet totalitarianism.
What common commitment did Bush Jr and Blair share?
They shared a commitment to foreign policy in the Middle East.
Explain the campaign expenditure caps in the UK.
In the UK, national parties are capped at £30,000 per candidate during the election run-up, and donations over £7,500 must be disclosed; Electoral Commission issues fine for breaking rules eg Plaid Cymru fined over £29,000 in February 2020.
How does campaign finance regulation differ in the US?
Formal regulation by way of legislation eg BCRA 2002 has been watered down by court rulings eg Citizens United 2010; Super PACs – unlimited donations; political donations seen as extension of First Amendment right to free speech
What is the state funding approach for campaigns in the UK?
The UK provides state funding through mechanisms like Short Money, and voter registration is managed centrally by the government.
Describe the role of pressure groups in the UK compared to the US.
In the UK, pressure groups are more tightly regulated and cannot endorse or donate to parties, while in the US, they can donate and campaign for candidates.
What does the Communications Act 2003 stipulate regarding political ads in the UK?
It prohibits the purchase of TV airtime for political advertisements.
Describe the differences in campaign finance between the US and the UK.
The US has fewer restrictions on airtime and allows significant spending by candidates, parties, and Super PACs, leading to a total of $10.8 billion spent on ads in the 2020 election. In contrast, the UK has stricter campaign finance laws and more state funding, with major parties allocated free slots for election broadcasts.
Explain the role of wealthy individuals in US political donations.
Wealthy individuals and interest groups in the US are more actively involved in political donations due to fewer restrictions and the potential for significant influence on policy. Donations are often motivated by political empathy and the desire to secure favorable policies, as seen with figures like Elon Musk.
How does the concept of electoral battlegrounds influence campaign spending in the US?
Campaign spending in the US is disproportionately focused on electoral battlegrounds, where national campaigns can be won or lost. This targeted spending is easier in the US due to less stringent expenditure controls compared to the UK.
Define the cultural differences in political fundraising between the US and the UK.
In the US, money plays a more explicit role in politics, with continuous fundraising efforts influenced by the First Amendment. The UK has a more nuanced political culture with a tradition of donations from trade unions to Labour and individuals to Conservatives, and a greater acceptance of state regulation in campaign finance.
Explain the impact of the Citizens United ruling on US campaign finance.
The Citizens United ruling in 2010 reinforced the notion of individual rights and freedoms in US politics, leading to increased political donations and a culture where fundraising is constant, despite concerns about government interference.
Describe the structural approach to elections in the UK compared to the US.
The UK has fixed terms for elected office but allows for ‘snap’ elections, making it easier to change election dates. The US, on the other hand, has more elections overall, but both countries utilize majoritarian electoral systems.
How do campaign strategies differ in terms of voter engagement in the US and UK?
Campaign strategies in both countries focus on appealing to core voters and ensuring turnout, but the US places a stronger emphasis on individual candidates and public participation through primaries and caucuses.
Explain the significance of ‘cash for honours’ allegations in UK politics.
The ‘cash for honours’ allegations suggest a link between political donations and the granting of honors, which has been leveled against both Labour and Conservative leaders, highlighting concerns about the integrity of political donations in the UK.
Discuss the rational approach to campaign finance in both the US and UK.
Both countries see campaign finance as crucial, with the US having greater opportunities for political donations leading to heavy spending on electoral campaigning. However, fundraising does not guarantee victory, and most money is spent on close races.
Describe the cultural approach to voting behavior in the US.
Voting behavior in the US reflects different priorities and views among various groups, with a stronger emphasis on individual candidates and personalities compared to the UK.
What are the differences in local elected officials between the UK and the USA?
Some UK cities, such as London and Manchester, have adopted directly elected mayors and elected police and crime commissioners. In contrast, the USA has a much vaster array of local elected officials, including mayors, school board officials, agricultural commissioners, sheriffs, and state-level judges.
What are the right-wing parties’ positions on immigration in the UK and USA?
Parties on the right play on concerns over immigration; Republicans under Trump promised to tighten up the Mexican border through the construction of a wall. In the 2010 General Election, Tory leader David Cameron spoke of reducing net immigration to tens of thousands, while in 2019, Boris Johnson talked about a points-based immigration system.
What are the left/liberal parties’ focuses regarding social justice and poverty?
On the left/liberal side, the focus is on social justice and reducing poverty; in 2019, Labour promised to abolish Universal Credit and ‘end poverty by guaranteeing a minimum standard of living.’ The 2020 Democratic platform discussed an economy ‘rigged against working families’ and promised to reverse Trump’s tax cuts.
What did the survey of campaign visits by party leaders during the 2019 election reveal?
The survey revealed that 36 out of 61 constituencies visited by Boris Johnson were marginals, while the corresponding figure for Jeremy Corbyn was 58 out of 76.
How do campaigning strategies differ between the USA and UK regarding elections?
In the USA, more time, money, and focus are devoted to campaigning between presidential elections; each party knows that winning or maintaining control of Congress in midterms can be crucial. In the UK, General Elections remain the focal point of most electioneering, except for infrequent referendums; direct democracy is entirely state-based in the US.
What is the significance of presidential candidates’ personal visions in the USA and UK?
In the USA, there is a focus on presidential candidates’ personal vision for the nation, exemplified by FDR’s New Deal. This is not that different in the UK, where leaders like Thatcher and Blair ran personalized campaigns, and Boris Johnson’s campaign slogan was ‘Get Brexit done.’
How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party respond to fiscal challenges during crises?
Both parties are willing to abandon fiscal prudence and cut government spending during crises. The pandemic saw Trump and Boris Johnson pass emergency measures to support businesses at great expense.
How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party approach individual freedoms?
Both parties emphasize the importance of individual freedom. Reagan and Thatcher aimed to roll back the frontiers of the state, but both parties have expanded the surveillance state in times of crisis, such as the Patriot Act 2011 passed by Bush Jr after 9/11 and the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 in the UK.
What is the stance of the Conservative Party and Republican Party on national sovereignty?
Both parties advocate for a strong nation state. Trump’s ‘America First’ platform sought better trade deals and tariffs, while the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservatives shares a wariness of international bodies.
How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party view military spending?
Both parties emphasize strong armed forces. Trump’s first term saw the military budget increase from just over $600 billion to around $700 billion, as part of a pledge to ‘rebuild’ the USA’s military strength. Conservatives are committed to renewing the Trident nuclear submarine program and retaining the nuclear deterrent.
What is the similarity between the Conservative Party in the UK and the Republican Party in the USA regarding taxes?
Both parties advocate for lower taxes for businesses and individuals. In 2018, Trump cut both income tax and the corporate tax rate. Recent Tory PMs have sought to cut taxes where possible, with Thatcher reducing the top rate of income tax from 83% to 60% in 1980 and then to 40% in 1989. Both parties believe that lower taxes promote innovation and productivity, leading to wealth ‘trickling down’ to benefit all sectors of society.
What are the key aspects of party registration and funding in the US?
In the US, registration drives are conducted by political parties to encourage voter registration. Additionally, no major party presidential candidate has accepted matched funding since 2008, indicating a shift in campaign financing strategies.
What is the cultural approach to campaign finance?
There is a greater culture of individual political donors in the US; in the UK, it is more subtle and traditionally associated with certain bodies. The First Amendment culture and attraction to personal freedom in the US extend to political donations. There is a longstanding suspicion of a link between political donations and buying favors.
What is the rational approach to campaign finance?
Greater opportunities for political donations in the US mean many pressure groups spend heavily on electoral campaigning. Fundraising is seen as important in both countries but doesn’t guarantee victory. Most money is spent on close races.
What is the structural approach to campaign finance?
Campaign finance laws are tougher in the UK, with greater use made of state funding. Courts in the US have played a significant role in weakening Congress’s attempts to regulate campaign finance.
What is the cultural approach to elections?
There is a stronger emphasis on individuals/personalities in US elections. The US has had greater public participation in candidate selection via primaries and caucuses. Voting behavior has historically reflected different priorities and views among different groups.
What is the rational approach to elections?
Election campaigns are focused mainly on marginal seats/swing states. The use of FPTP encourages US and UK voters to support one of the main parties. Campaigning focuses on appealing to core voters and ensuring they turn out.
What is the structural approach to elections?
Fixed terms for elected office exist, but it is much easier to change in the UK; ‘snap’ elections exist in the UK. There are more elections in the US. Both countries use majoritarian electoral systems.
