essay plans

Question 1

Evaluate the view that the UK can best be described as a
two-party system - for

Answer 1

The two main parties dominate
government and tend to provide
the Prime Minister

The two main parties dominate
the House of Commons (helped
by FPTP)

The constitution is built on the
idea of two opposing parties

Question 2

Evaluate the view that the UK can best be described as a
two-party system - against

Answer 2

Minor parties can play a role in
government at UK or devolved
level

Minor parties increasingly get
more votes in elections

There is increasing attention for
minor parties and their
representatives

The devolved regions are not
two-party systems

Question 3

Evaluate the view that is the most important factor influencing
party success - for

Answer 3

Having a popular leader
is the main factor
influencing party
success

Having a united party is
the main factor
influencing party
success

Having media support is
the main factor
influencing party
success

Question 4

Evaluate the view that is the most important factor influencing
party success - against

Answer 4

Parties can be successful with an unpopular
leader, as long as the leader of the main
opposition is even less popular

Even popular leaders lose their appeal at
some point

Some leaders are good election
campaigners but less effective government
leaders

Party unity can be a consequence of
success, not a cause; struggling parties
often become more divided

Media support for political parties is quite
stable so does not explain changes

Media confirms, not changes, opinions