Party systems Flashcards
what is a party system?
describes the features of a political system in relation to the parties that operate within it. The term ‘system’ describes both how many parties there are and how many of those parties make a significant impact. The party system can help us understand how a political system works. It can also help us to explain change. - LO
why was there one party dominance beginning 1979 to 1997?
Thatcher rebranded conservatism with her own ideologies of ‘sink or swim’ and ‘roll back the frontiers of the state.’ And frankly, the opposition was hardly appealing with Michael Foot an the longest suicide note in history. LO
Why did the SNP result in 2015 not make the system a multi party system?
SNP is a regional party so the cannot contend as a participant for parliament. As a regional party, they are limited to certain areas of politics. LO
Explain a two and a half party system and the role of the half party.
This is where there are two leading parties accompanied by a smaller but still significant party who will usually accompany one into a coalition if needed providing they compromise policies. Thus, they can make political change through handing over their seats. LO
Is a one party system democratic?
The for argument is valid - everyone is still entitled to vote. However, the fact that their is only one box to tick is very totalitarian and many believe it to be an example of authoritarianism especially as it is used in countries such as China and North Korea. LO
Give an example of a country that has a one-party system and explain why that is the case.
Example-
China, Cuba or North Korea.
All three describe themselves as communist states. In each country the only legal party is the communist party- therefore there is a one-party system as the electorate only have one choice of a party to vote for. EB
Why does the UK’s electoral system effect the party system in the UK?
Due to the first past the post system a two-party system will always remain in the UK. This is due to the winner takes all element of the voting system which allows no credit to be given to any minor parties, only the major 2 parties in the election. EB
What party system takes place in Northern Ireland?
The three-party system. In Northern Ireland three parties dominate, these are Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein. EB
What party system takes place in Scotland?
The dominant party system. This party being the SNP. The SNP has held nearly all of the UK parliamentary seats and has governed Scotland since 2007. EB
Does the two-party system or the three-party system take place in Australia?
The two-party system takes place in Australia. These two parties being the Labour Party and the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party actually being conservatives despite the name. EB
What keeps the Two-party system dominant?
The first past the post system. ON
What is a party system.
A party system describes the features of a political system in relation to the parties that operate within it. ON
What is a two party system?
When only two parties have a realistic chance of forming a government. It also implies that two parties win the vast majority of votes at elections and most of the seats in the representative assemblies of the state. ON
What is a multi-party system?
Several of many parties competing for votes and power. There is no set number to define a multi-party system. ON
What is a one-party system?
Where only one party is allowed to operate. This is normally associated with highly authoritarian regimes and we would not consider them to be democratic. ON
