consequence of multi party system is an increase in coaltions Flashcards
‘regional party system’
-individual nations of the UK, have developed their own unique political cultures and governing parties, no longer possible to generalise about UK politics as a whole
-Prior to 1997 and Blair’s devolution agenda only the UK Parliament existed, following devolution, Scottish Parliament is controlled by the SNP with the Greens as ‘kingmaker.’ for example.
-in England, the Conservatives and Labour
dominate general metro-mayor elections.
‘regional system’ evaluation
While the nations of the UK have their own political cultures, there are significant overlapping features. Labour have won all six elections for the Welsh Parliament since its inception. In Scotland, the Conservatives form the official opposition in the Scottish Parliament. Hence, the establishment parties remain a major force even at the regional level.
political fragmentation
-old two-party system,both major parties were unionists but multi-party system is
inclusive of nationalists that seek referendums to split-up the UK e.g. SNP is committed to a second Scottish independence referendum, Plaid Cymru is
devoted to Welsh independence & Sinn Fein ‘s defining policy is Irish reunification
-potential fragmentation of the UK will have significant implications:Scottish&Welsh MPs would be removed from Parliament making UK more right wing,
reunification of Ireland may result in a civil war similar the Troubles,weaker militarily and diplomatically
fragmentation evaluation
Although Scottish independence may happen, given the level of support for the SNP in Scotland, the UK government has refused to allow a second referendum. In Wales, there is only limited support for independence. The final YouGov poll of 2022 reported support for Welsh independence at 22%. And in Northern Ireland, an IPSOS-MORI 2022 poll showed a preference for remaining in the UK at 50-26%, including 20% of catholic voters preferring to stay with the UK. Collectively, this suggests that concerns about the fragmentation of the UK may be overblown.
rise of ‘kingmakers’
-hung parliaments=minor parties hold more power.
e.g.‘confidence and supply’ deal with the Conservative Party in 2017, 10 DUP MPs won additional
annual spending commitments for Northern Ireland, as well as a veto on May’s Brexit policy,minor party with 0.9% of the national vote and 1.5% of MPs had
disproportionate power to play ‘kingmaker.’
-Ultimately, the example of 2017 shows that the emergence of multi-party system may lead to an era in which a diverse set of political interests and viewpoints are considered at the highest levels of government.
‘kingmakers’ evaluation
Since 1945, there have been 19 general elections. Only 3 failed to produce an overall majority. This suggests that it is unlikely that minor parties such as the DUP will be able to exercise disproportionate power as ‘kingmakers’ on a regular basis. Indeed, even on a 36.8% voteshare, the Conservatives secured a 12-seat majority in 2015 – even when 63.2% of the British electorate voted for rival parties.
end of strong stable government
-old two-party system,combined with FPTP
produced strong and stable majority government every election 1945-2005, save for one (1974).
-powerful, single-party government controlled British
politics. e.g. Labour’s Tony Blair (1997-2007), winning majorities in 1997, 2001 and 2005, controversial reforms passed into law.
-with the rise of the multi-party system, and higher chance of hung parliament (2017) single party may no longer be able to govern with absolute power.
-multi-party politics may be characterised by compromise and instability
strong stable government evaluation
Despite the emergence of multi-party system, first past the post delivered a landslide victory for the Conservatives in 2019 on a 43.6% voteshare. This suggests the hallmark of the British system: strong, stable, single-party government may not be over yet. Indeed, Labour is projected to win a landslide majority at the next general election.
