minor parties

Question 1

issues related to minor parties

Answer 1

1. Many of them are single issue parties. That means that they: Focus on a single issue and represent specific groups
2. They are often more radical/outspoken ideologically
3. Some parties that are ‘minor’ parties nationally, are large parties regionally - SNP
4. Long-term trend: increasing role for minor parties - In 1951 the Conservatives and Labour together won 97
   % of the votes.

In 2015 that was ‘only’ 67% of the votes.

Question 2

stats

Answer 2

In 1951 the Conservatives and Labour together won 97
% of the votes.
In 2015 that was ‘only’ 67% of the votes.
Prime Ministers have been Labour or Conservative
since 1922

In 2019 Labour and Conservatives got 76% of the votes,
all others together 24%

In 2019 Labour and the Conservatives got 568 seats
(87%), all others together 82 (13%)

Question 3

influence of minor parties

Answer 3

1. If they cannot form a government on their own, they can join as a junior partner in a coalition government, or, support a
   government in return for certain favours - May and DUP Supply Deal
2. Influence the policies of other parties; they can influence
   public opinion and the main parties may adopt their ideas
3. Make other parties lose by taking voters away from
   mainstream parties
4. If they gain seats in Parliament, have the powers of MPs:
   vote on laws, propose laws and amendments, hold speeches and
   ask questions in debates
5. Win elections and form a government at local or regional
   level