Party Policies and Ideas Flashcards
How many doorsteps has Ed Miliband promised that Labour Party activists will visit in the run up to the general election?
4 million.
In which general election did voter turnout fall below 60% for the first time?
The 2001 general election.
Identify 6 functions of political parties. Can you think of a mnemonic to help with this?
PETER EATS RABBITS, SOMETIMES QUAIL/VENISON (ALTHOUGH SISTER CAROLINE IS VEGAN INTERMITTENTLY)
1) Making policy
2) Representation (usually of different social classes, although this function has diminished in recent years with the decline of class- most parties now try to represent NATIONAL interests to secure as many votes as possible)
3) Nominating candidates
4) Organising elections
(Through: • Supplying candidates
• Publicising election issues
• Persuading people to vote)
5) Education
6) Reinforcing consent for the existing system of Parliamentary democracy. ‘The status quo’
Why is declining membership a problem for political parries?
There are less grassroots party activists willing to volunteer and promote the party at a local level.
Which number did Green Party membership surpass in late 2014?
50,000
Where do the terms ‘left wing’ and ‘right wing’ originate from?
They are derived from the French Parliament in 1789 in which the King’s original supporters sat on his right and his radical opponents on his left.
Do left-wingers support protectionism for domestic industries?
Yes.
Do right wingers support low levels of taxation?
Yes.
Define the term ‘socialism’.
A political movement that place a high value on equality of opportunity, social justice and collectivism: and is either opposed to free market capitalism or seeks to moderate the undesirable effects of capitalism.
Define the term ‘conservatism’
A political movement that is averse to excessive change and reform, is sceptical about strongly held political views, prefers the known to the unknown and supports the retention of traditional institutions and values.
Define the term ‘liberalism’.
A political system that places a high value on freedom, rights and tolerance.
Define the term ‘authoritarian’
Describes a political system in which there is a strong emphasis on the powers and authority of the state.
Define the term ‘libertarian’
A political system in which there is a strong emphasis on the freedoms, rights and liberties of the individual.
Identify 6 features of a political party.
1) A clear organisation
2) They formulate policies
3) They aim for elected office
4) They try to gain public support
5) They contest elections
6) They have leaders
Who is the ‘founding father’ of Liberalism?
John Locke.
When was the Liberal Democrat party created?
1988
When did Ming Campbell become leader of the Liberal Democrats? What two policies did he introduce to please middle England voters and the traditional party faithful?
- He developed strong environmental policy whilst simultaneously proposing tax cuts.
When was ‘The Orange Book’ written?
2004.
Name three politicians who contributed to the ‘Orange Book’.
Vince Cable, David Laws and Nick Clegg.
Of what political persuasion were the authors of ‘The Orange Book’?
Centre-Right Liberal Democrats.
Of what political persuasion were Charles Kennedy and Paddy Ashdown?
Liberal Democrats leaning towards social democracy.
Name 6 policies from the Liberal Democrat 2010 manifesto.
1) Commitment to a ‘zero carbon’ UK by 2050 and more taxes on carbon use.
2) A written constitution for the UK and lowering the voting age to 16.
3) An elected House of Lords.
4) Cutting tuition fees.
5) Prison reform to encourage rehabilitation.
6) An enhanced border police force.
What did the coalition government do with regards to child benefit?
Cut if for any family in the top 15% of earners.
By how much did The Conservative Party propose to cut corporation tax by in their 2010 manifesto?
25%.
