EXTRA-Political Parties and their need Flashcards
For how long have political parties played a significant role in British politics?
more than 200 years
What is the main feature which distinguishes political parties from pressure groups?
The fact that their primary purpose is to win elections
What are the 6 functions of political parties?
1) Organise opinion
2) Source of political knowledge
3) They act as a link between the individual an the political system
4) They mobilise and recruit activists
5) They provide an organisational structure
6) They serve as opposition
How do political parties organise opinion?
They take on board ideas of individuals and groups and aggregate (put together) them into policies. The voter is then able to choose the party that most resembles his or her own preferences
How are political parties a source of political knowledge?
Even for voters who lack any strong ties their ideas are influenced by the information that parties offer
How do political parties act as a link between the individual and the political system?
Most people rely on various political interests to represent their concerns and demands. Parties act as bridge organisations between the conflicting interests of government and the electorate
How do political parties mobilise and recruit activists?
Parties offer a structure into which individuals can channel their interests. They provide political foot soldiers or local or national politicians.
How do political parties provide an organisational structure?
Leaders, colleagues, and party whips seek to persuade members of the legislature to vote for their policies. When necessary they do coalition deals to secure a majority for particular programmes.
How do political parties serve as opposition?
The parties not in government provide organised opposition as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition with its own shadow ministerial team
What is the official opposition in England called?
Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
