Party funding and party systems

Question 1

What is an example of corruption for funding?

Answer 1

Cash for honours scandal (lord Lebedev)
Bernie Ecclestone

Question 2

What are 3 pros of state funding?

Answer 2

• Reduces/stops ability for corruption
• Could help to ensure that parties receive fairer funding
• Means that parties can tailor their policies for the people not the rich

Question 3

What are 3 cons of state funding?

Answer 3

• Would cost the taxpayer, they may not want to fund parties with beliefs they do not support
• If funding is allocated by the last election then a two-party system would likely remain, if funding is allocated in another way then could lead to extremist parties gaining more traction
• Could disconnect parties from the public as their funding is safer than if coming from donations

Question 4

What is a two-party system?

Answer 4

A system whereby two parties constantly dominate the political landscape and hold the majority of seats and votes.

Question 5

What is a dominant party system? Provide one example.

Answer 5

A system whereby one party constantly dominates the political landscape and holds the majority of seats and votes. For example the SNP.

Question 6

What is a two-and-a-half-party system?

Answer 6

A system whereby two parties still hold the majority of seats and votes but other parties play a major role in shaping legislation and causing change in the political landscape.

Question 7

Give 3 example of the UK being a two-party system.

Answer 7

• Since the 1920’s Labour and Conservatives have been the two main parties the only time another party has had any major role is the 2010 Clegg coalition.
• In 2019 the Lib-Dems won 11.6% of the vote but only received 11 seats in parliament
• In 2019 Labour and the Conservatives one a combined 75.7% of the votes

Question 8

Give 3 examples of the UK being a two-and-a-half-party system.

Answer 8

• 2010 Clegg administration
• The Brexit vote brought about by UKIP
• The Green Party have helped eco-policy become a vital part of parties manifestos

Question 9

What is a Multi-party system?

Answer 9

When multiple parties share the vote and they all have a legitimate chance of forming a government.

Question 10

What is the main reason the UK is still a two-party system?

Answer 10

First-past-the-post