Example Questions Flashcards
Jenkins report
An electoral system should:
Allow Broad proportionality
Provide stable government
Provide more voter choice
Keep a good constituency link
Jenkins report recommend
AV - Jenkins report in support for AV by 85%
2011 ref, 68% voted to keep FPTP
For a codified constitution
Would provide greater clarity on what is / isnt constitutional
Authoritative reference in court
Limit power of state and its institutions
Would provide greater protection for rights of citizens
And better inform them
Our system is outdated
Most conventions date back to pre modern era
Against a codified constitution
Pragmatic adaptation has worked well so far and is preferable
No elite consensus on what a codified constitution should look like
Would be rigid and difficult to amend
Gives judges who are accountable greater political power
No great popular demand
Other issues more important
-
Explain and analyse three ways in which new labour reformed the UK constitution
Describe three ways of scrutinising parliament
Describe recent developments since 1977
Should 16 and 17-year-olds be given the right to vote
FOR:
Responsibilities without rides can have a job pay tax so should have right to vote how can we fight Wars but have a say about if they should happen
Youth interest is ignored could offer new debates on issues such as education drug laws social morality it gives a new perspective
Lead to Stronger political engagements 18 to 24 year olds have lowest turnout rate 16 17 year olds helped to increase youth turnout in Scottish independence referendum of 2014 75% of 16 and 70 year olds vote versus 54 of 18 to 24 year olds
Irrational cutoff age if 16 and 17 year olds are excluded from politics and grounds of their knowledge and understanding the principal is very inconsistently applied what about poly educated and ignorant adults
Against:
Deferred representation representation is only delayed by wants two years until 18 18 year old are likely to be broadly in touch with same interests and concerns as 16 and 17 year olds
Immature voters most still love with parents and are still in education not full citizens similar to why women didn’t get the vote
Preserving Childhood Adolescent should be a period during which young people can concentrate on school and enjoyment
Undermining turnout may cause turnout to decline as young voters are less likely to vote than old voters
Should prisoners be given the right to vote
for
Harder to rehabilitate the denial of the right to vote removes a sense of civil responsibility making rehabilitation harder
Fundamental right the right to vote is fundamental and cannot be removed
Alienation makes prisoner a non-person and further alienates them from Society by not being able to vote
European rulings the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the blanket ban on prisoners is a violation of human rights
Not a deterrent
Against:
punishment those who commit a crime against society should lose the right to have a say and how about Society is run deterrent the Threat of losing the rights of oat presents crime and enhances Civil responsibility
Undermines Justice giving convicted criminals the right to have the same how laws are made undermines the principle of Justice and constituencies undermined
fptp
Voting - SIMPLE; VOTERS PUT AN X NEXT TO THEIR PREFERRED CANDIDATE. EASY TO UNDERSTAND- WHOEVER GETS THE MOST VOTES WINS.
CONSTITUENCIES- EACH CONSTITUENCY IS REPRESENTED BY 1 MP, SO CONSTITUENCIES KNOW WHO TO CONTACT.
PARTIES- FPTP TENDS TO PRODUCE A TWO PARTY SYSTEM, GIVING VOTERS A CLEAR CHOICE BETWEEN TWO BROAD PARTIES, EACH OF WHICH HAS A REALISTIC CHANCE OF FORMING A GOVT. EXTREMIST PARTIES FIND IT DIFFICULT TO WIN A SEAT.
GOVERNMENTS- FPTP TENDS TO RESULT IN MAJ SINGLE PARTY GOVTS WHO FIND IT EASIER TO PASS LEGISLATION. MAJ GOVTS HAVE A CLEAR MANDATE FOR THEIR MANIFESTO, GOVTS ARE EASILY HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY THE ELECTORATE FOR IMPLEMENTING THEIR MANIFESTOS. COALITIONS AND MINORITY GOVTS ARE RARE - SEEN AS A GOOD THING AS TRADITIONALLY WEAKER GOVT, LESS STABLE THAN MAJ
TING- MILLIONS OF WASTED VOTES NATIONALLY; ENCOURAGES TACTICAL VOTING, CHOICE OF CANDIDATE IS MADE BY PARTY NOT PEOPLE, IF A VOTER WISHES TO VOTE TORY, EG, HEY CANNOT CHOSE BETWEEN A SELECTION OF TORIES. TURNOUT TENDS TO BE LOWER IN COUNTRIES THAT USE FPTP.
CONSTITUENCIES- A MAJ OF VOTERS IN A CONSTITUENCY MAY HAVE VOTED AGAINST THEIR REP. VOTERS IN SAFE SEATS CAN FEEL THEY DO NOT NEED TO VOTE, NO POINT VOTING TO SUPPORT THE PARTY. ELECTION CAMPAIGNS TEND TO FOCUS ON MARGINAL SEATS, IGNORING SAFE SEATS. IN 2017, ONLY 97 MARG SEATS {SEATS WON BY A MAJ OF 5% OR LESS}, MEANING VAST MAJ OF SEATS WERE UNCOMPETITIVE. DIFFERING POP SIZES MEANS NOT ALL VOTES COUNT EQUALLY, IN 2017, THE LARGEST UK CONSTITUENCY WAS ISLE OF WIGHT - 109,000 ; SMALLEST WAS IN SCOTLAND WITH 21,200.
PARTIES- IT FAVOURS PARTIES WITH CONCENTRATED GEOGRAPHICAL SUPPORT. MINOR PARTIES WIN FAR FEWER SEATS IN THE HOC THAN THEY WOULD IF SEATS WERE ALLOCATED PROPORTIONALLY TO VOTES. A NOTORIOUS EXAMPLE - 2015 UKIP WON 1 SEAT FOR 3.9 MIL VOTES. MINOR PARTIES STRUGGLE TO CONVINCE SUPPORTERS TO VOTE FOR THEM, AS THEIR VOTE IS LIKELY TO BE WASTED. DIFFICULT FOR NEW PARTIES TO BREAK INTO POLITICS.
GOVTS- FPTP EXAGGERATE THE MANDATE THAT GOVTS ACTUALLY HAVE. IN 1997, LABOUR WON 2.5 X MORE SEATS THAT TORY, BUT ONLY GOT 1.4 X AS MANY VOTES - WINNERS BONUS. SINCE 2010, RISE OF MINOR AND REGIONAL PARTIES, (SNP, SINCE 2015) HAS MADE IT HARDER FOR TORIES OR LABOUR TO WIN A LARGE MAJ. IN EFFECT, UK NOW HAS MULTI PARTY SYSTEM BUT A VOTING SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR TWO. DOES NOT GUARANTEE A STRONG MAJ. FROM 2010 - 15, UK HAD A COLATION GOVT, MINORITY GOVT FROM 2017.
IS THERE A PARTICIPATION CRISIS???
RNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTIONS HAS FALLEN IN RECENT DECADES. IN 1950 MORE THAN 80% OF ELECTORATE VOTED, IN 2001 JUST 59% DID - RECORD LOW
SOME ELECTIONS HAD EVEN WORSE TURNOUT- IN 2012 PPC ELECTION HAD A 15% TO.
PARTY MEMBERSHIP HAS FALLEN SINCE 1950S, TORIES HAD 2.5 MIL, NOW 124,000 IN 2018
PARTISAN DEALIGNMENT
TRADE UNIONS HAVE FEWER MEMBERS AND ARE LESS POWERFUL THAN IN 1980S
POLITICAL APATHY APPEARS TO BE COMMONPLACE AMONG YOUNG PPL. TO DATA FOR 18-24 YR OLDS SHOW THEY ARE LESS POLITICALLY ENGAGED THAN ANY OTHER AGE GROUP
DISILLUSIONMENT WITH POLITICIANS Has INCREASED SINCE 2009 EXPENSES SCANDAL
‘SLACKTIVISM’ DESCRIBES THE TENDENCY FOR PPL TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUPERFICIAL WAY- BY LIKING / SHARING POLITICAL CONTENT ONLINE.
RNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTIONS HAS RISEN SINCE 2001 REACHING 69% IN 2017 ELECTION
TO IN RECENT REFS HAS ALSO BEEN HIGH. 85 % VOTED IN 2014 SCOTTISH INDY REF, 72% IN 2016 EU REF - ELECTORATE ISS ELECTIVE - DONT GOIVE A SHIT ABOUT PCC.
MEMBERSHIP IS INCREASING - LAB HAS 500,00 MEMBS AND SNP MEMBERSHIP HAS MORE THAN QUADRUPLED SINCE 14 INDY REF
SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED - NATURE OF POL PARTICIPATION HASD - POL PARTIES USE MEDIA TO REACH ELECTORATE
PRESSURE GROUP MEMBERSHIP HAS INCREASED
NEW PARTIES DONE WELL IN RECENT YRS, UKIP -SNP- GREEN PARTY MADE PROGRESS
‘Representative democracy is better than direct democracy’ Analyse and evaluate (25 marks)
Almost all modern western democracies use representative government, regular elections are held so that people can elect representatives. In the uk there are separate national and local elections- these elected representatives become a part of a legislative assembly that make these laws, some elected reps follow delegate model (how constituents want them to), trustee model (edmund burke-mps follow what they think is best.)Disadvantages of direct democracy- the public may not fully understand the question they are voting on. Elected representatives might be better placed to analsye and evaluate the issue./ the majority of people may vote for something that undermines the rights of a majority group, tyranny of majority/people may vote for emotional or populist short term reasons, rather than taking a more considered view/ holding so many votes is slow and expensive, particularly in countries with large populations
Advantages of direct democracy, people can participate directlyin the decision making process / the wishes of the people cannot be ignored by their elected representatives in government/ people motivated to become well informed about political issues/ decisions have the direct authority of the people, gives them greater legitimacy.
Explain explain and analyze three circumstances under which referendums have been held in the UK nine marks
they are also held as part of a coalition agreement but this is rare for example the av referendum coalition deal 2010
they are also held due to partly party management in an attempt to settle divisions these are common, the EEC in 1975 and brexit in 2016
they are also called due to political pressure this has happened twice in recent years for example UKIP was successful in forcing brexit referendum and the SNP forced the Indy ref in 2014
Explain and analyse three movements and reforms that enabled the UK to become a democratic state (9 marks
Great reform act 1832- one in five men could vote 5.6% of total population
Representation of the people act 1918- a product of the political and social changes caused by ww1. Alll men over 21 (or 19 for veterans) could vote. Women over 30 who met the property qualification could vote
Representation of the people act 1928. Women finally received the vote on equal terms to men. All men and women over 21 could vote. Property qualifications were removed.
xplain and analyse three features of democracy (9 marks
Rule of law. The countries laws apply equally to everyone and anyone who breaks the law will be punished. Av dicey pillar
Accountability. The government is accountable to the people. If the electorate thinks the government has done a bad job, it can vote in a different government. Collective / individual responsibility.
Participation. People participate in politics. This can be through voting, joining political parties or pressure groups or lobbying their elected representatives or the government.
Explain and analyse three arguments in favour of reforming FPTP (9 marks
Voting- it encourages millions of wasted votes nationally. It encourages tactical voting. The choice of candidate is made by the party, not the voter. If a voter wishes to vote conservative, they cannot choose between a selection of conservative candidates. At the 2019 general election, of the 32 million votes cast, only 9.4 million votes were ‘decisive’ in securing a candidate’s election .Turnout tends to be lower in countries that use FPTP than in countries with proportional systems. ?List system would potentially eliminate surplus and wasted votes as it is the most proportional system.
Constituencies - a majority of voters in their constituency may have voted against their represnetaive. Voters in safe seats can feel their is no point in voting if they do not support that party, election campaigns tend to ignore safe seats and focus on marginal seats instead. In 2019, there were only 67 marginal seats, meaning that the vast majority of seats were uncomeptative. Differing population sizes in each constituencies mean that not all votes count equally; in 2019 the largest uk constituency was the isle of wight- 113,020 electorate. Smallest constituency was in scotland with 21,106. STV potentially eliminate, parties are repped in each constituency while maintaining cons link.
Parties -it favours parties with concentrated geographical support, minor parties win far fewer seats in the hoc than they would if seats were allocated proportionally to votes. In 2015, ukip won just one seat for 3.9 million votes. Minor parties struggle to convince supporters to vote for them, as their vote is likely to be wasted, difficult for new parties to break into politics. AMS is fair to all parties- more voter choice, select local and natonal leader. Highly proprtonal hybrid system.
Explain and analyse three arguments against the greater use of referendums (9 marks
Refs offer no protection against the tyranny of the majority. Churchill said refs are ‘devices of demagouges and dictators’. Uk european union membership referendum 2016, 52 voted to leave, 48 to stay, unexpected . cameron included the ref to stop tory voters switching to ukip and to placate eurosceptics in his party yet resigned because his massive political gamble had faled
Referendums can threaten parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy. Clement attlee said ‘devices alien to our traditions’. Scottish independence ref 2014, cameron critiscised by some tories for calling the ref as risk of breaking up uk, cameron argued he had no choice, snp had won majority in 2011 scottish parliament elections with an independence ref in their manifesto. Snp - yes scotland / lib dems and labour ran ‘better together’-
Governments still hold the power , not the people- tend not to hold if they think they will loose. Scottish devolution ref 1997, welsh devolution ref 1997 and greater london authority ref 1998 were used by blair to legitimise his constitutional changes and part of his devolution programme. The scottish devolution ref 1997 got yes by 74%, it is more than likely blair knew the outcome would be yes.
Explain influences on parliament
One feature on government and parliament is think tanks. Think tanks are organisations that exist purely to develop new policies. They are especially influential in recent years given tony blair increased the use of think tanks. #
Give example
Another feature of influence on government and politics is lobbyists. These are political operatives who are paid to influence the government. Lobbying in the uk has grown in uk over last 2 decades - over 100 lobbying firms in uk. Dyson example
Another feature on the influence og government and parliament ix the media. Governmdents are scrtutinisde by the media and are keen to attract positive reports. Government ministers often have close relationshipsx and personal links with key figures in the media. For example, in 2012 the close friendship between pm david cameron and rebekah brooks was revealed. She is former editor of world news and the sun.
More example
EXPLAIN AND ANALYSE THREE PEROGATIVE POWERS OF THE PM
One perogative power of the pm is deciding who is and who isnt in the cabinet. This is signiifcant because those PMs with large majorities, like David Cameron can use it to their advantage. For example, his addition of John Osbourne to the cabinet was extremely beneficial to Cameron as thye had a close politcal relationship. Yet, this power of patronage is contrained as those without a large majority cannot choose their cabinet freely. For example May had to include both Brexiteers and remainers, with the likes of Boris Johnson, a big beast being unshakabele, much to May’s dmeise - check in folder.
Another perogative power of the PM is the ability to deliver boradcats to the whole nation. In the forst lockdown, an estimated 22 million watched Boris Johnson’s speech. This was signiifcant as it allowed him to convey messages efficently and effectively, as well as broadcasting his authority. Johnson did not consult parliament about the lockdown, emphassing hios perogative power.
Finally, the pm has the power to deploy armed forces, which os extremely powerful. The government is not formally requied to discuss this within parliament nor seek their apporval. For example, May with the air strikes in Syria. She argued this was not an act of war and thus did not require parlimentary consent, thus emphasing her perogative power. However, arguably may broke convention as she should have consulted parliament. Another example of this is Tony Blair with his 2008 invasion of Iraq, there was no pressure within the cabinet or the wider party, or public for uk troops to be mobilised and no sense that natioanl securtiy wa simmensley threwatend by iraq. Instead, the decision was largely a result of Blair wanting to cement his strong personal relationship with Bush, and to deepen the ‘colation of willing’, for this he recived hevay critiscm. This highlights how powerful thier perogative power is but equally how perpgative powers can be abused.
The UK Cabinet remains an important part of the executive’ Analyse and evaluate this statement. 25 marks
The PM needs the cabinet to speak as one voice – provides strength and unity to government – disputes are settled in cabinet. But T May was weakened during Brexit when many cabinet ministers spoke out/voted against the government policy. She at one point had to enforce CREU referendum: Cabinet able to say what they want. Boris and Gove undermined PM’s Remain position and key to its failure. 1990s – John Major - huge splits over Europe that undermined his position. John Redwood. However:Sometimes the cabinet is ignored. Blair and Brown deciding on not joining the Euro currency before Cabinet. Blair’s War in Iraq seems to be HIS policy. AV and EU referendum, Cameron went with without much discussion. Strong PMs mean that splits in the Cabinet have very little impact on PM. E.g. Blair and Thatcher both sidelined the Cabinet. Presidential?
Through cabinet committees and within their own departments or among small groups of ministers , policy making can be shaped then brought to Cabinet as authoritative proposals which cabinet would be reluctant to reject. When Cabinet is settling disputes between ministers it is effectively making policy, especially in allocating public expenditure to different uses.This was important during Coalition. There was a need to forge consensus (but there was the Quad which decided all matters of policy (inner-cabinet). However PMs have increasingly marginalised cabinet, finding new ways of agreeing policy outside Cabinet, either among groups of powerful ministers or in external bodies such as SPADsE.g. Alistair Campbell and BlairDominic Cummings and Boris.Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill and May – they actually wrote the 2017 manifesto. These people don’t have same restraints as cabinet ministers.Mo Mowlam said Blair was a President and Cabinet was dead!!
Even though the PM is first among equal the cabinet has the ability to overrule of them.E.g. Thatcher resignations harmed her. Especially Howe at the end, Lawson and Heseltine. Boris – 57 ministers resigned on him. So he resigned. Brown – work and pensions secretary resigned and demanded Brown stood down so Labour could win an election. James Purnell. Weak majority means that the Cabinet has a lot of power over the PM. May was forced to work with the Cabinet after 2017 to collectively decided on Brexit negotiations. However…Cabinet is at the mercy of the PM. They can be sacked or reshuffled. Early on Blair got rid of Frank Field when he was off message. May got rid all but four of Cameron’s cabinet. Cabinet cant signed treaties etc. Blair sidelined the cabinet over the war in Iraq.
EXPLAIN AND ANALYSE THREE FEATURES OF PARTY FUNDING
One feature of party funding is membership fees. The income from these fees has declined since the 1980s. Yet, many parties still employ the use of membership fees. For example, Labours use of ‘registered supporters’ was controversial. In 2015, supporters who paid three pounds were allowed to vote but in 2016 the fee was changed to £25 to prevent leadership elections from being hijacked by people not fully commited to the party, as seen with the election of corbyn . Thus, membership fees are significant as they can prevent future leaders being picked by unloyal labour party members and can stop leadership elections being jepordised.
Another feature of party funding is large donations from wealthy donors. These are a significant source of income, particulary for the conservatiev party. For example, Tony Blair’s labour government was criticised for accpeting a £1 million donation from Formula 1 Tycoon Bernie Ecclestone in 1997 and then giving formula 1 an exemption from the ban on tobacco advertising at sporting events. The 2000 politcal parties, elections and referndums act also ensured that donations over five thousand pounds must be declared to the electroal commison. Similarly, the 2009 polical parties and elections act (PPEA) increased the requiremnts for establishing the source of polictal donations. Politcal parties in great britan and northern ireland have reported accpeting over £12 million in donations and public funds in the first quater of 2022.
Another type of party funding is state funding.This is designed to counter financial advantage enjoyed by the party of government or parties with large funds. For example, one type of state funding is policy development granst (PDGs), here the govermet provides any party with two or more sitting MPs is alocated a share of a two million annual fund to help develop polices. However, some would argue this is unjust because smaller parties do not recieve the same amount of stae funding, instead thye are allocated funds according to how many seats they have in parliament and how many votes they won in the last election. For example, labour will get more state fudning than UKIP.
Explain and analyse three Critismcms of the composition of the judiciary (9)
education, Oxbridge, ‘pro establishment’ decisions public don’t trust however unlike mps judges not representatives - chosen on merit . 11% of Supreme Court attended Oxbridge in 2022, 1% of population attended Oxbridge.
Gender, more women magistrate, diversity growing down the judiciary hierarchy. Chabge at top only happens as talent pool broadens further down. 2 women in 2021. 17% of Supreme Court yet women make up 51% of uk pop. Higher focus on getting women in higher education.
Ethnicity. Don’t reflect modern British society judges can’t understand cultural significance. However will increase. Little improvement in last decade such as UKSC . Not there to emphathise only to apply law naturally and professionally.
Explain and analyse three ways that help to maintain judicial review independence in the uk 9 marks
security of tenure - judges appointed for open ended term limited only by retirement at 75. Politicians cannot seek to bring influence to bear threatening to sack judge
Guaranteed salaries paid from consolidated fund classified as standing service - politicians are not able manipulate, judges salaries cannot control them
Independent appointment system- Constitutional reform act 2005, JAC greater transparency, served to address concerns that system had been open to political bias
Grants theory
Domain organisation- membership electoral influence competition for members
Resources- financial resources financial uncertainty organisational structure (hierarchy)
External environment- public opinion, snowdrop campaign, friends and fam of SL
Rose theory- all about values
Values get accoeted
Values change over time
Opinions are divided
Cultural indifference
Attitudes shift away from groups
Explain and analyse three features of outsider groups
- use of direct action and tactics. ALF and anti poll tax
-Resources of state applied against them. Sheff trees/ Greenpeace - want to / don’t want to be insider IPPR / old milverton village
Explain and analyse three ways that pressure groups can influence the government
-lobbying. Bell pottinger and CBI
- insider status. ERT
- celebrity endorsement. Free school meals and Gurkha
“Pressure groups play a crucial role in the uk democratic system” 25 marks
Yes- the pluralist interpretation is that pressure groups play an essential role in democracy as they allow different sections of society to have their views heard by govt and allow people to focus on issues that wouldn’t be their prime concern in an election - if something doesn’t win an election it’s stil important . Democratic participation not just every 5yrs. Makes govt better informed TO PREVENT UNIONS FROM STRIKING WITH LOW INTERNAL SUPPORT, THE TRADE UNION ACT 2016 INTRODUCED A MINIMUM TURNOUT OF 50% FOR STRIKE BALLOTS AND A 40% THRESHOLD OF SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES. STRIKES SHOULD NOW HAVE STRONGER DEMOCRATIC MANDATE WITHIN THE PRESSURE GROUP
the elitist interpretation is that pressure groups are undemocratic give a louder voice to powerful. Disadvantage if u cabt afford lobbyists and lawyers. Limited internal democracy. Pressure groups are unaccountable to the electorate. Exclude everything but one issue. THE NEW RIGHT INTERPRETATION , ASSOCIATED WITH THATHERCS TORY GOVT WAS THAT TRADE UNION STRIKES WERE AN ATTEMPT TO UBDERMINE THE DEMOCRATIC STATE
Explain and analyse three features of outsider groups.
One feature of outsider groups is the use of direct action and tactics. For example the Animal liberation front. In 2006, campaigners stole the body of an elderly woman f0rom her grave due to her ties to a farm breeding guinea pigs, thus causing uproar and publicity. Similarly, the anti poll tax league, in 1990. 200,000 protesters gathered in london thus causing a day of violence, looting and rioting. However, this aspect of outsider groups is controversial because the rioters were successful in abolishing the poll tax which was replaced by the council tax , and arguably caused the downfall of thatcher. It suggests that civil obedience gets you the outcome you want. However these examples are in line with the dual state model which suggests that outsider groups focus on welfare and moral issues, in which the state has a less vested interest in, it suggests that there is a lot of evidence of pluralism in outsider groups, which is shown in the fact these campaigns acted as a check and balance t the government. Sim ilarly, their success is in line with the dual state model, as it suggest that groups campaign9ng on moral issues are more likely to be succesful and be heard than those campaigning on economic policy.
Another feature of outsider groups is that the resources of the state are often applied against them. For example, the save sheffield tress campaign was simply stated as ‘bonkers’ by micheal gove; communities secretary at the time, instead of being taken seriously. Police arrested 41 people in the 40 protests they attended, including elderly residents but no further action was taken. 5,600 perfectly healthy trees were removed and replaced between 2013-2018. However, this isnt always the case, outsider groups like Greenpeace are often heard by the government. Despite the level of disruption caused by greenpeace protesters, the government changed their attitudes towards carbon emissions and the 2017 tory government announced their plans for a lower carbon economy and there is now widespread support for green energy. Similarly, its campaign against microbeads, found in products such as toothpastes, succeeded when the government announced their banning in 2017.
Another feature of outsider groups is that they are often aiming for insider status. Sometimes, the group is waiting for a different political climate, such as a change in government. For example, the IPPR (institute for public policy research) gained insider status upon the election of the labour government in 1988, before this it had always been an outside group. However, this is not always the case, and is not a significant feature. For example the residents in Old MIlverton village set up a pressure group in october 1997 to prevent the siting of a telecommunications tower. Thus, the group was only set up on a temporary basis to fight against a local particular planning proposal, and never aimed to achieved insider status, and was equally never likely to. Similarly, the CND (campaign for nuclear disarmament) has been a recognised pressure group since 1987 but no major political party has ever supported their aims, and so hasnt been able to get insider status. Therefore, some groups don’t get insider status simply because they are ideologically opposed to the system.
Explain and analyse three features of insider groups
One feature of insider groups is that they are regularly consulted by government departments. An example of a high profile insider group is the CBI (confederation of british industry). The CBI has a high impact in policy support and was declared by the financial times as “britain’s biggest lobby group” and it speaks for around 190,000 businesses. It successfully campaigned for a third runway at heathrow, despite opposition form environmentalist groups and also successfully lobbied for reductions on corporation taxes. Therefore, the CBI shows how having insider status within the government makes a group highly influential. This is in line with the dual state model which suggests that insider groups focus on economic andd financial issues, in which the state has a vested interest in. The dual model states that insider groups have a lot of evidence of elitism, this is true as sectional groups like the CBI have a total influence on th egovenrment due to sectre lobbying- a key part of elitimm. Similarly, representatives form the police force and teachers unions often attend regularly meetings with mps and civil servant over potential changes to law and order that are in discussion.
Another feature of insider groups are the ‘core insiders’. These are insider groups that have a stong 2 way relationship with the government over a broad range of issues. One of the most respected insider groups is the BMA (british medical association). The BMA acts as a trade union for doctors and consists of over 160,00o doctors and medical studnets. They have influence on government policies, for example in 1991 they made it mandatory for all car occupants to wear a seatbelr, they campaigned from 2002-2007 for the banning of smoking in public areas, and they pushed through the 2018 sugar tax on fizzy drinks. This shows the status of insider groups, there are so influential that the government often calls on them for advice, and they can achieve almost all their aims through this status. However, the BMAs failed junior doctor strikes, in which the government did not back down, portrayed the BMA to be less effective as an interest r group because the government still enforced the new contracts in october b2016. However, this failure to obtain a pay rise for junior doctors is lso in line with the dual state model, which suggests that groups are more likely to be successful and be heard when campaigig oon moral issues, opposed to economic issues.
Another feature of insider groups are the peripheral insiders. For example, The dogs trust. These are groups which are rarely called upon but merely have the status due to the nature of their cuade. These groups are considered legitimate by the government, thus given access to the decision makers. The peripheral insiders vary from government to government depending on their ideological orientation. For example, labours government of 1970 included representatives form the trade unions, whether thatchers government definitely did not. This shows how being an insider group doesnt guarantee that you have power over laws and does not receive any government funding, but it dtil puts the organisation in a more advantageous position.
Explain and analyse three factors that explain why some pressure groups are less successful than others (9)
One factor that makes pressur egroups less successful is the lack of wealth and financial resources, in line with Grant’s theory that resources, alongside domin organisation and external environment are key to success why CBI so influential - buy influence also bell pottinger . eg celebrity endorsement. For example, the gurhka justice campaign wasnt an issue before t he 2004 general election, then the labour government under tony blair changed the policies so that gurhka veterans who retired e997 could settle in britain. This was largely d=to do with the endorsement and publicisng done by joanna lumley. However, despite lumley bring a massive help in getting jaqui smith the then home secretary to make a u turn and change the law, the british gurhka welfare society claim that lumleys campaign was a disaster and left elderly and inform gurhkas in poor living conditions, who could barely speak english and were rleying on state handouts to survive. A less critiscised example of how celebrity endorsement makes a pressure group more successful is that ot marcus rahsford, in 2020 the government had decided not ot provide free school meals in the school holidays, rashrof wrote an open letter and partnered with the pressure groups involved in the campaign, freeserve, nspcc, child poverty action group, he walos met with senior minister slike boriss johnson. Therefore, the lack of such endorsement makes it harder for a pressure group to be successful because they are less publicised and funded. This fits into the ideology of grants theory; which states that a group can only be successful with resources, a good external environment and domain organisation. The save sheffield trees campaign did not have a good external environment, instead of being endorsed it was simply declared by micheal gove, the then foreign secretary as ‘bonkers’. Therefore it wasnt successful in achieving its aims, and 5600 healthy trees were cut down and replaced between 2013-2018.
Another factor which makes the pressure groups less successful is the issue not being emotive.The dual state model suggests that groups campaigning over moral issues are more likely to be succesful and listened to than groups campaigning on economic matters. The stephen lawrence campaign was successful becaud it uncovered the insituitonalised racism and had the support of the publoic, therefore it was successful in reforming the double jeopardy, why involved rights that have been set since magna carta in 1215, and it also led to the new race and relations act of 200. Similary, the snowdrop campaign was extremely emotive, thereofrem it had sympathetic media coverage and led to the forearm amendments act of 1987. However, the pressur egroup called ‘keep sundays special’ has been campaigning since 1985 and still has not reached its end aim due to the lack of public interest. Making sunday a holy day again is not attractive for most because it will damage the economy and make life incnvinet, as no shops wull be open onnsudnay once again. therefore it fits into the orse theory, which state sthat in order for a pressure group to be successful, its values must be accepted, and here they are not, and there is also elements of cultural indfence.
Another feature of what makes a pressure group more or less successful is the government era. This is in line with rose theory, that values shift over time. For example, the post war consensus encouraged sectional groups, and the government heavily relied on the CBI/TUC. However, when thatcher became pm, she stated “i am not a consensus politician. I am a conviction politician” and the end of the post war consnsus led to an increase in cause groups, perhaps due to the weak labour opposition, followd by the weak tory opposition to blair. For example, the caus egroup Charter 88 became more polpolar; this campaigns for a also think tanks became more used, such as the adam smith insituie. Therefore the government era affects how successful a pressure grop will be. For example, a cause group in the post war consenus would have not been as succesful as a sectional group.
Explain and ana;lyse three ways that pressure groups can influence govt.
One way in which pressure groups influence the government is through lobbying. For example, in 2011 undovercover journlats unveiled that the chief lobbyist at the lobbying firm bell pottinger had persuaded the prime minister,then david cameron, raised concerns over copyright infringement on behalf of dyson while meeting with leaders in china. Similarly, the confederation of british industry (CBI) was described by the financial times as “britains biggest business lobby group” and successfully lobbied for reducations in corporation tax and lobbied for a third runway at heathrow. However, lobbying from pressure groups can have a positive influence on the government; stonewall employed professional lobbyists to help reverse the anti-discriminatory legislation. Therefore, lobbying is a crucial way for pressure groups to have influence on the government.
Another way pressure groups can influence the government is by having insider status. Groups such as the european round table of industrialists (ERT) consists of around 50 european leaders and thus works on both national and international levels. Due to the sheer size and power within the ERT, it tends to have a strong influence on the government. Their recommendations in their reports are alsmot all adressed, for example, the ert has successfully lead to the enlarging of the sixe of the eu; the increased pension contributions of employees; reduced corporation tax across the uk and established the G8.
Another way that pressure groups can have an influence on the government is by gaining celebrity endorsement. For example, the free school meal extension campaign during the holidays of 2020 gained the support of markus rashford, who worked with pressure groups like Fare Share, the child poverty action group and NSPCC. Before his endorsement, the government had decided not to provide free school meals during the school holidays, However, upon marcus rahsfords open letter urging mps to reverse the decision, he met withsenior poliitcans such as boris johnson. The campaign reuslgted in high profile u-turns as the government reversed their decision and announced that free school meals would run in the school holidays of 2020. Si ilary, the gurhka justice campaign was not an issue before the2004 general election. In 2008, the actress joanna lumley became the public face of the gurhka justice campaign to provide all gurhka veterans who served in the british army before 1997 the right to settle in britain and ran a high successful and publicsed media campaign. The campaign benefitted from her efforts and in an abrupt u-turn of government policy, home secretary jaqui smith announced that all gurhka veterans who served before 1997 would be allowed to settle in britain. Therefore, celebrity endorsement is a key way to influcnece the government. However, the british gurhka welfare society (BGWS) argues that lumleys campaign was a total disaster and it had resulted in thousands of elderlyand infrim gurhka pesnioners who couldnt speak english living in poor living accommodations and relyimng on state handouts to live.
Explain influences on parliament
One feature on government and parliament is think tanks. Think tanks are organisations that exist purely to develop new policies. They are especially influential in recent years given tony blair increased the use of think tanks. #
Another feature of influence on government and politics is lobbyists. These are political operatives who are paid to influence the government. Lobbying in the uk has grown in uk over last 2 decades - over 100 lobbying firms in uk.
Another feature on the influence og government and parliament ix the media. Governmdents are scrtutinisde by the media and are keen to attract positive reports. Government ministers often have close relationshipsx and personal links with key figures in the media. For example, in 2012 the close friendship between pm david cameron and rebekah brooks was revealed. She is former editor of world news and the sun. 2017- corbyns policies, personality and leaderhsip was widely criticisded by media, may was weakened by her refusal to join in televised debates, the sun was tory and labour used media to counteract the negative publicit from traditional media- used social instead. 1997- new labour had a proactive approach to media, balir went to australia before becoming leader to ask murdoch , sun switched to labour. Spin doctors managed labours interactions with meid ato ensure it was ‘on message’
It has been said about the organisation of the two main parties that power flows down from the leadership in the Conservative Party and upwards from the membership in the Labour Party
Support-
CONSERVATIVES YES IT FLOWS DOWN- -members elect leader ONLY once the PCP has made shortlist of 2.
-Shortlist of approved candidates for each constituency produced by the central office london.
-only members who are local constituency committees get to choose parliamnetary candidates.
-the reccomendations made by the party confernce are only advisory
-manifesto is written by the party leader
LABOUR- YES POWER FLOWS UPWARDS
- members also elect the deputy leader
- all local members get to vote for their local parliamnetary candidate
- members get to appoint some of the NEC- national executive commitee
-In klabour, party confernece is soveriegn, all policy decisions have to be approved by confernce, including manifesto, means all members get a vote on party policies
NO THIS ISNT TRUE-
conservative party- members can contribute toa policy form that produces reports for the party confernce to consider. new rules from 2001 give ordinary memberds a vote in choosing party leader
labour- ordinary members only make up 1/3 of the electoral college that elects the new labour leader- if it had just been ordinary members who voted for new leder in 2010 it would have been david miliband not ed miliband as party leader.
nec and general commiteee produce and apporved shortlist for local parliamnetray candidates
how involved are grass root/ ordinary members
LABOUR
- ordinary members make up 1/3 of the ‘electoral colege’ that chooses the leader - unions and PLP
-NEC and general commitee draw shortlist then local members vote, nec must endorse
-all members can attend party conferncce and this is soveriegn.
-manifesto is produced by the party conference
- all members get a vote on policies
TORY
- tory mps draw up a 2 person shortlist, then from 2001, ordinary members can vote.
-apply to central office london and has to be approved
-constituency committee draws the shortlist- conference has no power to make policy but all memers can attend.
-members contrribute to a ‘policy forum’ which produces reports to advise the party.
- party leaders write the manifesto.
tories must have been a member for at least three months to vote
CHOOSING AND REMOVING PARTY LEADERS
labour- The parlimentary labour party -PLP makes nominations first, candidates need to be nominated by at leats 10% of the PP to proceed to the next round.
From september 2018, candidates must also win the support of 5% of local parrties and 5% of trade union affiliate members.
All members and registered supporters then vote on candiates, using 0m0v and the AV vote sytem.
Labours use of registered supporters has been controversial. In 2015, supporters who paid £3 were allowed to vote. In, 2016 the fee changed to £25 to prevent leadership elections being hijacked y people not fully committed to the party. - ppl voting fr corbynn as they thought woukld be easier in parliament
tory- Mps vote on leaderhsip candidtaes. Their top two choices are presented to the rest of the party.
All party memebrrs vote on the reamining two candidates. It is a 0m0v sustem so evert vote counts equally.
Theresea may was not voted for by the party memebrship because her rival withdrew from the contets, leaving may unopposed.
Tory party gives more power to mps than labour or the lib dems, as only the top two candidates progress round. The eventual winner is thus more likely to have a signifact backing of mps. In contrast, labours elected jeremy corbyn only had 15,5% of mps in 2015.
3 main parties have typically struggeld to select a broad ange of candidates, which affects the composition of the HoC. labour ontroduced an all women shortlist in 1993, reuslting in 101 labour mps being leected in 1997. In sepetember 2017, party announced to use its all womens shortlist for alsmt 50 of its top setas. Conservatives also triedc a prioity list ( a list candidates are offered to local aprty when it draws up a shortlosut for parlimentary candidates) and public hustinsg ( events where parliamentray candidates answer questions on their polcies in front of the public, as well as meberb
lib dem- A candidate must be an mp, with the support of at least 10% of liberal democrat MPs and backing from at least 20 local parties, with support from at least 200 embers.
All members vote using 0M0V and the AV system.
In september 2018, leader vince cable proposed that non mps culd become leader and that non party members could vote in leadership elections.
Party leaders have developed good relationships with media bosses. Tony blair convinced rupert murdoch to switch the suns newpspaers support to labour ; david cameron met with murdoch and his associates 26 times during his first 15 months as pm. Newspapers may affect how party leaders are percieved. Ed milliband was dubbed ‘red ed’ by many newspapers, making it more difficult for him to appeal to centrist voters. The daily mail and telegrapgh are consitent conservative supporters, wheras mirror always favours labours and the guardian generally does. Other newspapers chnage thwir endorsemnt with each election.
An extreme example of this was the garessive online campaign agaisnt laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s politcal ediot, which resulted in eher attending labours 2017 confernce with bodyguard protection,. Crtics of kuenssberg claimed she was predujxe against labour. SOCIAL MEDIA INCRCREAISNGLY IMPORTANT- DESPITE THE NEGATIVE PORTRYALA OF JEREMY CORBYN, BY TRADITIONAL MEDIA DURING 2017 ELECTION, LABOURS ONLINE CAMPAIGN ALLOWED IT TO INCREASE IN VOTE SHARE
1997, new labour had proactive approach to media. Blair went to austrailia before coming leader to ask rupert murdocj and sun swithec tory to labour, also spin doctors managed labours interactions with the media, daily storues were kept on message
- 1979- more media focus on leaders, thatcher used televison photo opportunities to raise her profile. Sun newspaer swicthed from labout to tory
2010- most newspapers were pro conservative. Cameron focused on creating an image of a new and modern tory party that could be trusted with economy. Media attcaks on gordon brown ‘bigot gate’ and media coverahe of tv debates - cleggmainia the 2010 general election is a good example of a hung parliament. Gordown brown was compared unfasvourably to his procedure, tonyb blair. LIBERAL DEMOCRATS SHOT UP 10 POINTS IN OPINION POLLS AFTER THE FIRST LEADERS TV DEBATES, DUE TO NICK CLEGG - CAMERON AND BROWN WERE BOTH RIGID. ESTIMATED 9.4 MILLION WATCHED THE DEBATE, MORE THAN SOAPS
2017- corbyns polices perosnality and leadership style was widely criticsied by the emdia. May was wekend by her refusla to join in televised debtaes. Labour used media to counteract the negative publicyyu from tradional media. The sun is tory.
2019- social media less important than in 2017, although the conservative party did use facebook effectively, in marginal seats, shows social media may npt be hughely influential on the ouctcome of elcetions. There was media attcks on corbyn ‘chuck jeremy in the cor-bin’.
role of political parties
- provide stable govt- arguably don’t- unstable govt 2017-2019- minority led by theresae may
- provide democratic opposition- checks and balances- periods of very weak opposition however, eg labour in the 1980s- conservatives 97-05, parliamentary scrutiny seen as weak and ineffective- pmqs
- enable parliament to function effectively-function carried out best
sleaze
bernie ecclestone 1997- supremo of f1- secret donation of a million, to labour party as was introducing a ban of tobacco advertisimg in sports. f1 was allowed to contine but sports like darts and snooker still got the ban.
damagedblai’s rep early on as had critized tory sleaze the same year in leader ship election
1997- landslide- black wednesday erm crash- economic recession- new labour- labour had a lead with all age groups including 65 plus, apart from ABC1 voters where cons has 5% lead
1983- proir to 82 falklands victory, thatcher was one of word rated priministers on record.
tories has a male 12 percent lead and a female 20 lead.
39 percent lead with abc1 voters
1st time tories most popular with c2 voters
kaufmann- our 1983 manifesto was longest suicide note in histroy
media backed troies- the looney left
miceahk foot was persoanally targeted by newpaper- he was put in charge of nuclear diarment and the times wrote ‘footheadarms body’
LLInce between david owen and david steel was popular
cons had a massive winers bonus. 42.4 percent of vote an dover 60 percent if seats
1979
forced election as callaghan vote of no confidnce- followed the witer of discontenct where there was a series of public sector pay strikes-
tories had a three percent lead with men and 12 with women
c2 was split between labour and tory- ivor crewe shock troops-
SNP votes and seats were down from 1974- probably due to the failed devolution in 78.
THtachers new right agenda- post war consensus
- media backed troy- sun endorsed thatcger depsite previsouly being labour
cons ran a modern campaigh after hiring the saatchi and saatchi firm- posters like labour isnt working.
labout got 36.9 percent of votes and 269 seats
referendums
- scotland and wales 1979- just over half of scotland supported but did not meet the thresholf pf 40% set before the vote.
- av 2011- part of colation- 75 million- voted no -68%
-2014 scottish indepndence red- 84.6 percent turnout- highest since universal sufferage- first major electoral event where 16 year olds can vote. beteter together vs yes scotland
55.3% voted no but led to the smith commision propsals which formed the basis of the 2016 scotland act
the olsen rule
legislatures passing more than 90% are weak. uk passes 98 and america passes 2
THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION IS TERRIBLE FOR FIRST PAST THE POST SUPPORTERS
TURNOUT SECOND LOWEST IN HISTORY
LABOUR HAVE RIDICULOUS WINNERS BONUS EVEN THO GIVEN THE 59.4% TURNOUT ONLY AROUND 1 IN EVERY 5 VOTERS VOTED FOR THEM.
LABOURS 174 MAJ SECOND HIGHEST IN HISTORY.
DEMOGRAPHIC RESEMBLANCE- YOUNFGEST PARLIAMENT IN 50 YEARS. MPS ARE 46 FROM 50. LABOUR HAD 47% OF 18-24 YR OLDS.
42 PERCENT WOMEN IN PARL
14 ETHNIC
REFORM GOT 4 SEATS FOR 14PERCENT OF THE VOTE - SECOND FAVOURITE PARTY IN JAN 2025 POLLS ONLY ONE PERCENTAGE POINT BEHIND LABOUR - GROWING POPULIST SENTIMENTS.
LIB DEMS GOT 72 SEATS FOR 12 PERCENT OF THE VOTE - BEST EVER
SNP 9 SEATS - 2.5 PERCENT
TORIES LOST 251 SEATS INCLUDING ALL SEATS IN WALES- THEIR WORST EVER
SMALL PARTIES AND INDEPENDANTS COLLECTIVELY GOT 42PERCENT OF VOTE
DOES THE UK NOW HAVE A MULIT PARTY SYSTEM?
YES - IN THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION, 13.5% OF UK VOTERS, AND 61% OF SCOTTISH VOTERS BACKED PARTIES OTHER THAN LABOUR AND TORY
- MINORITY PARTIES HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN SECOND ORDER ELCTIONS. BREXIT PARTY GOT 30% OF THE VOTE IN 2019 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS LIB DEMS HAVE 2,500 LOCAL COUNCILLORS AND THE GREENS HAVE 372.
- RECENT COALTIONS
- SNP PARTY IN GOVT IN SCOTLAND
-YES- ANY PARTY THAT WAS ABLE TO MOBILISE NON VOTERS WOULD STAND A CHNACE IN WINNING THE ELCETION- IN 2015 THAT WAS 33.8% OF REGISTERED VOTERDS
YES- 2017 TO 2019 DUP SUPPLY AND CONDIDENCE DEAL WITH CONSERVATIVES
AND THE 2010-2015 LIB DEM IN GOVERNMENT IN COLATION
ES- PLAID CYMRU HAVE SERVED IN COLATION GOVERNMENTS IN WALE
YES- IN THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTION IN SCOTLAND THE SNP GOT 48% OF THE VOTE AND WON 45% OF THE SEATS IN SCOTLAND
NO- IN 2019 THE CONSERVATIVE AND LABOUR PARTIES WON 76% OF THE VOTE AND 87% OF THE SEATS
NO- IN THE 2017 GENERAL ELECTION THE TORY AND LABOUR PARTIES ACHIEVE 82% OF THE VOTE AND 89% OF THE SERAS
NO- THE SUCCESS OF THE PARTIES SDUCH AS BNP WAS FLEETING. THE GREEN PARTY HAVE FAILED TO ADD TO ITS ONE SEAT. UKIP IS SEEN AS A SPENT FORCE AFTER BREXIT
NO- IN THE 2017 GENERAL ELECTION THE TORY AND LABOUR PARTIES ACHIEVE 82% OF THE VOTE AND 89% OF THE SERAS
N0- THE LABOUR AND CONSERVATIVE PARTIES ARE THE ONLY PARTIES WITH A RELISTIC CHNACE OF FORMING A GOVERMNT OR BEING SENIOR PARTNER IN A COLATION SINCE WW1
NO- IN 2019 THE CONSERVATIVE AND LABOUR PARTIES WON 76% OF THE VOTE AND 87% OF THE SEATS
