Parties Flashcards
define mandate.
when a party comes into power, you have to accept all their manifesto.
what are the party functions?
- governing
- representative
- electoral
- policy
- accountability
- recruitment
- education
- consent
what is the electoral function?
they educate the electorate, they provide a simple choice for voters, they allow a clear result - allow elections to work.
what is the government function?
who’s in power and out, they allow a government to be formed, they offer a mandate for change
what is the accountability function?
scrutinise the work of departments and ministers in order to keep them honest and catch them out
what is the representative function?
represent groups of voters or a group of voters with a particular view or set of beliefs and carryout policies to benefit them
what is the policy function?
create and design policies to represent a group or run the country and offer alternative ideas to their opposition
what is the recruitment function?
they encourage members to join or take part and thus engage in politics
what is the education function?
putting out their views, they educate the wider public as to their perspective or ideas / policies or at least make the public aware of the issue
what is the consent function?
accepting the system and the results of the election and by encouraging people to vote for them and ‘play by the rules’ they offer their consent to democracy
three arguments for state funding
- some party spending goes on advertising attacks on other parties rather than enhancing democracy.
- current funding system favours larger parties and makes it much more difficult for smaller parties to advertise efficiently.
- labour wouldn’t have to rely on Trade Unions and could then separate themselves from them.
three arguments against state funding
- firms, interest groups and wealthy individuals would still have access to political influence: even in countries with state funding there is still political corruption.
- people will object to their taxes contributing to parties that they do not like, particularly extremist parties.
- the party in power will be able to change the rules on funding to favor themselves.
what acts were put into place to control state funding?
2000 Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act and 2009 Political Parties and Elections Act
give some examples of 2000 PPER policies
donations from non-UK residents are banned
parties may only spend £3000 per constituency
give some examples of 2009 PPE policies
non-UK residents may donate up to £7500
allow commission to investigate cases and give fines
