Evaluate The View That The Only Political Parties That Matter Are Labour And Conservative

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Evaluate either sides
Some people believe that the only two political parties that matter are labour and conservative because they have consistently won since 1922 and only party that wins a majority
However others disagree as other parties such as Liberal Democrat’s and reform uk have increasing support and influence which mean they may be able to win
This essay will support the view that minor parties matter too and labour and conservative are NOT the only ones that matter

Question 2

Para 1- Labour and Con are only ones that matter as they are only ones who consistently win large number of seats and are only ones who can win majority

Answer 2

Evidence- Hasn’t been a non labour/con government since 1922, when it was the national liberal party which no longer exists.

Question 3

Para 1- counterpoint

Answer 3

Minor parties have become increasingly successful in elections eg in 2010 only 65% of voters supported Labour or the Conservatives compared to 97% in 1951
Shows they are increasing their influence in elections and parliament

Question 4

Para 2- Labour and conservative parties have ability to set legislative agenda, whereas minor parties cannot as they are never in power

Answer 4

Evidence- Two main parties won 568 out of 650 seats (87%). Major parties control the agenda and can scrutinise all areas of the government

Question 5

Para 2- counterpoint
Not true! Increasing support of minor parties leads to more influence in government policies

Answer 5

Evidence- co-alition is also possible
UKIP gain in support in 2015 (12.6%) votes. This lead to UKIP having major influence in calling for the EU referendum due to their pressure and support to the government.
Large shifts in political landscape have been a result of minor parties often matter just as much as government legislation, even if they are less frequent

Question 6

Para 3- FPTP favours major parties, securing their dominance as the two main parties

Answer 6

Labour and Conservative ‘safe seats’ 37 seats won by a margin of over 50% in 2019- keep dominance
UKIP gained 3.88 million votes but just one vote
FPTP makes it extremely difficult for small parties to get a meaningful role in parliament

Question 7

Para 3- Counterpoint
Some minor parties w/ geographically concentrated support have been significantly successful under FPTP

Answer 7

Evidence- In 2019, SNP won 48 seats with 3.9% of the vote
Doesn’t always disadvantage small parties and the success means that they do matter.