Lecture 11

Question 1

Did political parties exist first or parliaments?

Answer 1

Parliaments

Question 2

Why do we need political parties?

Answer 2

To provide a choice to the voters. It is also our political right (voting, become a member or establish a party)

Question 3

… is a group of officials that have or want power. This group is directly linked to citizens because they are supposed to represent them, and they need citizens their votes to become citizens. The goal is to gain and maintain their power.

Answer 3

Political party

Question 4

3 aspects of a party:

Answer 4

1.Government: party officials hold government positions (including parliament)
2.Electorate: the voters
3.Internal organizations: leaders’ activist (people who are trying to get citizens to vote, members who are being prepared to become)

Question 5

the idea of … was not always important. If we look back in history, we can see many different forms of parties that took place over the years. Such as in ancient Greek it was trough military men or in the UK you were born into it (house of lords). Some people were appointed by the royal family. > early parliament days.

Answer 5

Political parties

Question 6

were established in the parliament with likeminded people. Later, these were used in elections.

Answer 6

Caucus parties

Question 7

… represented a segment of society. They tried to get as many people as possible to vote in general, not necessarily for a specific party. One party would focus on one group of society, the other on the other group. Trying to get these people to vote by focusing on issues that would stimulate them to vote. (middle class, working class, religious groups etc.)

Answer 7

Mass parties

Question 8

… trying to get as many votes as possibles. If they talked to middle class people, they would pander to their issues and beliefs. If they talk to workers, they will pander to theirs etc. Does not really have strict ideology they do not pick a side they pander to all the sides.

Answer 8

catch-all parties

Question 9

… try to restrict competition; they act for the government rather than for the people. They are trying to limit the number of parties. Could also be multiple parties trying to work together. Harder for other parties to make it.

Answer 9

Cartel parties

Question 10

In which ways are political parties financed

Answer 10

1. state subsidies
2. Private donaties
   3.Membership

Question 11

What do political parties do?

Answer 11

1. Bring legitimacy to the system
2. Mobilise citizens
   3.Represent society
   4.structure popular vote
   5.Bring together diverse intrest
   6.Form public policy

Question 12

What does the political compass do?

Answer 12

Distinguish parties based on their ideologies

Question 13

Communism, anarchy communism revolution

Answer 13

Far left

Question 14

Socialism, democratic socialism, eco-socialism

Answer 14

Left

Question 15

Social democracy, progressivism

Answer 15

Center left

Question 16

Liberalism, social liberalism

Answer 16

Center

Question 17

christian democracy, liberal conservatism

Answer 17

center right

Question 18

Conservatism economic liberalism, libertarianism

Answer 18

right

Question 19

Nationalism, racism, anarchy capitalism

Answer 19

Far right

Question 20

…. the systems of interaction resulting from interparty competition’ you don’t actively choose them they result from how parties interact with each other.

Answer 20

Party systems

Question 21

What type of party systems exist?

Answer 21

1.Predominant party system
2.Two part systems
3.Multiple systems

Question 22

… several parties do exist but 1 always wins, rules. Some people like it because it is predictable and there is cohesion. The disadvantage is that there is less competition and less representation of people. Countries that have this system are Japan or south Africa

Answer 22

Predominant party system

Question 23

… here are several parties that exist only 2 have the absolute majority and a shot at ruling. The advantage is that it is easier to make choices and there is less fragmentation between smaller parties, the disadvantages is that there are fewer parties to choose from and you are less likely to fully agree with a party. Country that has this is the United States

Answer 23

Two - party system

Question 24

… several parties exist, and they have a shot at winning form of governments are coalitions. The advantage is that there are more parties to choose from and more people are represented. The disadvantage is that there is more fragmentation and more comparison between parties. There are two types moderate (3 to 5 parties have a shot at governing) extreme (+5 parties have a chance at governing) countries that have this are Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Answer 24

Multiple party systems

Question 25

Why do we have different party systems?

Answer 25

1.Countries have different levels of democracy
2.The political cleavages (issues) in society are different in countries
3.Electoral system each countries have different voting systems the party system needs to align with the electoral system

Question 26

Arguments against politics

Answer 26

1.it declines party memberships
2.Parties are corrupted
3.Society is divided especially when elections are near
4.Parties fight over petty issues
5.Parties cannot govern