Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

UK Politics (the Constitution, ) > Political Parties > Flashcards

Political Parties Flashcards

1
Q

When was Labour Party founded and what was its founding principle

A

1900

Socialism but milder version ie social democracy - reform capitalism not overthrow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Dates of old labour

A

1945 -1994

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Example of labour idea to improve equality

A

tax and welfare used to reduce differences in income

Wealth should not give unjustified access to power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Example of old labour idea/principle re collectivism

A

Welfare state to be funded by taxes and all equally entitled to it
Strong trade unions to defend workers interests

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Example of old labour ideas and principles about capitalism

A

Key industries should be nationalised

Control capitalism to limit its exploitation of working class

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Examples of old labour ideas/ principles of re social justice

A

Free education and welfare are at the heart of social justice
Strong laws to guarantee equal rights and outlaw discrimination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Examples of old labour ideas / principles about class/society

A

Highly progressive taxes and welfare to make society more economically equal
Firm economic management to control unemployment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Dates of new labour (the third way)

A

1994-2010

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Core ideas / principles of new labour

A 
Individualism 
Free market
Welfare state
Social justice
Communitarianism
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Examples of new labour ideas / principles about individualism

A

Low income tax to encourage work
Home ownership encouraged
Small business to be encouraged and supported

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Examples of new labour ideas / principles about free market

A

No more nationalisation and some further privatisation
Reduce corporate taxes to encourage enterprise
Trade unions should be weak to ensure free labour market

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Examples of new labour ideas / principles about welfare state

A

Increased spending on health education
Education to maximise ability of individuals
Welfare to be targeted to most needy as an incentive to work

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Examples of new labour ideas / principles about social justice

A

Welfare state to guarantee living standards
Strong laws to guarantee equal rights and outlaw discrimination
Minimum wage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Examples of new labour ideas / principles about communitarianism

A

Caring attitude towards the environment
Emphasis on schools and strong social services
State support for local voluntary associations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Ideologically what has happened to the Labour Party since TB left

A

Moved to left. First gradually with brown and Milband and then more radically with Corbyn
Moved back towards the centre under Starmer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Dates for labour leaders post 1994

A 
1994-2007 Blair
2007-2010 Gordon Brown
2010 - 2015 Miliband
2015 - 2020 Corbin
2020 - now Starmer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the 5 core ideas of old labour

A 
Equality
Collectivism
Capitalism control
Social justice
Slash’s and society problematic
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is meant by equality with regards to old labour

A

People are of equal worth and there should be no unjustified privilege or inequality in society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How would old labour bring about equality

A

Tax and welfare should be used to reduce differences in income
Wealth should not give anyone unjustified access to power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Key features of Gordon Brown leadership and dates

A

Tried to recreate in his own image - social justice
Involved in dispute over abolishing 10p tax rate
Was PM during banking collapse of 2008
Unpopular and constant threats of coups or leadership challenges
Tried to form a coalition govt with Lib Dems in 2010 but failed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Key features of Ed Miliband leadership and dates

A

2010-2015
Beat his older brother to lead party in 2010
Left with legacy of unnecessary war and economic incompetence after recession of 2008 (note left by outgoing treasury secretary in 2010 saying “I’m afraid there is no money”)
Struggled to balance his more left wing ideas with appealing to centre ground
Although some might say he has moved the window as the British people are now more accepting of a number of his ideas (increase in minimum wage/energy price cap)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Key features of Jeremy Corbyn leadership and dates

A

2015-2020
Far more left wing than previous leaders
re nationalisation of water/railways/post office
Introduction of 50p tax rate
Increase in corporation tax
Abolition of tuition fees for university
But manifesto in 2017 continued support for Trident renewal and commitment to spend 2% GDP on nato

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Who are momentum and why are they important

A

Organisation within the labour movement credited with mobilising supporters online during 2017 /2019 campaign
Wanted to support pro corbyn wing of labour local branches and made links with unions
Peopled by young activists who use inventive social media messages
Youthful protest + power of unions was a potent force BUT
Moved party too far to the left for general public and in 2019 labour suffered their greatest defeat since 1935

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Key features of Kier Starmer’s leadership and dates

A

2020 - to date
Elected during pandemic so taken longer to make it into public consciousness
He falls between Blairite faction and far left of party
Showed determination in ridding party of anti semitic supporters (inc expelling Jeremy Corbyn from the party after his reaction to equalities and human rights commissions report into anti Semitic m)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Define conservatism

A

An ideology that seeks traditional evolutionary and pragmatic solutions to political problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

3 recent branches of conservatism

A

One nation
Thatcherism
Cameron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Overview of one nation conservatism

A

Paternalism
Pragmatism
Consensus
Disraeli (19C) and McMillan (20C) influenced
Introduce social reforms to reduce social inequalities - rich fulfilling their obligation to the needs of the poor (noblesse oblige)

28
Q

Overview of Thatcherism

A 
Thatcherism and the New Right combined ideas of neo liberalism and neo conservatism 
Favoured the individual over the state
Free market economics
Reduction to welfare state
Lower taxes
Strong nationalistic character
Traditional values
29
Q

Key ideas of Cameron’s Conservative party

A

In 2005 he urged his party to “stop banging on about Europe” so that went well
Tried to detoxify tories
Caring about the environment (husky) or social disadvantaged youth (hug a hoodie)
2010 became UK’s first peacetime coalition PM
Coalition & cuts required post banking collapse restricted his ability to create his vision of Britain
Could be said to have used Lib Dems as an excuse not to enact some of the far right proposals in 2010 manifesto
Despite winning Scottish independence referendum, cutting uk’s budget deficit and detoxifying tories he will forever be remembered for losing EU ref in 2016

30
Q

Key ideas for May’s Conservative party

A

Turmoil in the party
Called an election to gain a mandate but lost Cameron’s slim majority and had to do a deal with the DUP
JAM’s - preferred more intervention than Cameron - eg price cap on energy
Wanted to reintroduce grammar schools and repeal fox hunting (bonkers!)
Unlikely to be remembered for anything other than Brexit

31
Q

Key ideas for Boris Johnson’s Conservative party

A

Won seats from labour in the “red wall” and delivering a substantial majority
Levelling up - investment in “red wall’ areas
Get Brexit Done / Oven ready Brexit - whilst we have left EU Brexit is not done because of Northern Ireland protocol
Covid gave him a chance to be the leader he dreamed of (Churchill) but partygate and other problems mean that he is deeply distrusted and disliked
This led to heavy losses in recent council elections

32
Q

Who were the big beasts in the Conservative party after the 2017 election

A

Boris Johnson - resigned as foreign secretary as wouldn’t uphold collective responsibility over brexit
George Osbourne - former chancellor and editor of evening standard. Frequently criticised May in the paper making her position weaker
Michael Gove - hated by many (in education) but respected by others (lawyers and environmentalists who said he did a good job when in charge of their departments)
Pretends he doesn’t want to be PM but stood against Boris and May when Cameron resigned
Sajid Javid - son of bus driver and May’s Home Secretary. Disagreed with her on windrush scandal and immigration in general. Also opposed her ideas for customs union. Talked about as a future leader

33
Q

Who are key people in cabinet today

A 
Boris
Liz Truss (foreign sec)
Rishi Sunak (chancellor)
Sajid Javid (health)
Pritti Patel (Home sec)
34
Q

When was Liberal Democrat party formed and how

A

1988
Merger of liberals with social Democratic Party (SDP)
Liberals around for over 100 years and SDP formed in 1981 by breakaway MP’s from labour

35
Q

What are Lib Dem values

A

Socially liberal
constitutional reform - in coalition pushed for alternative vote referendum - lost
Membership of EU
Human rights - individual rights should be safeguarded
Believe a wide variety of beliefs, lifestyles and religions should be tolerated
Equality of opportunity
Social justice- capitalism but make sure wealth redistributed to poor
Constitutionalism - govt power should be limited by laws and decentralised

36
Q

What are social liberals

A

Centre left of Lib Dems
Desire to increase social justice through the state
Higher spending on disadvantaged to reduce inequality
Eg Tim Farron, Charles Kennedy (leader in 1990’s)

37
Q

What are orange book liberals

A

Lean towards centre
Support greater choice and competition
Aim to increase social mobility through increasing economic freedom for those from disadvantaged backgrounds
Favour cutting taxes for poorest
Inc Nick Clegg (deputy PM during coalition) Ed Davey (leader now)

38
Q

Main points about Clegg’s Lib Dem party and dates

A

2010 - 2016
Deputy PM during first peacetime coalition with Cameron
Saw Lib Dems role to moderate conservative policy - moving them to centre
Felt they had to help get country back on its feet after economic crash of 2008
Tax cuts for the poorest raising income tax threshold from £6.5k in 2009 to £11K in 2015
U turn on tuition fees and failure to win the AV referendum led to them losing heavily in 2015 down to 8 MP’s
Clegg made a brave decision to go into power with tories but paid a heavy political price
He is now very important at facebook so doubt he gives two hoots

39
Q

Why did Lib Dems do a U turn on tuition fees

A

They realised they could not invoke all or even much of their manifesto as junior partners in coalition
Decided to drop opposition to tuition fees in favour of raising income tax threshold and pupil premium financing
Unfortunately much of their support was from students who felt betrayed over fees and from people who were more interested in protesting not governing so they lost heavily in next election

40
Q

Was David Cameron a one nation conservative or a Thatcherite

A

He was both
On record as saying “i am a one nation conservative”
Big Society programme
Big supporter (and user) of NHS
Raised the tax threshold to take lower income families out of tax
BUT
Cut welfare and imposed austerity to deal with 2008 crash whilst also reducing 50p top rate of income tax to 45p

41
Q

What are the key policies of the Green Party

A 
Build large number of low cost environmentally friendly homes
Abolition of tuition fees
Wealth tax on top 1% earners
Living wage of £10 p/h
Universal basic income (£89 a week)
Tax on large banks making excessive profits
Legalise Cannabis 
Opposed to trident
42
Q

What is the influence of the Green Party

A

Caroline Lucas is only Green mp (Brighton)
Adoption of green policies by major parties eg labour “green new deal”
Have Moved the Overton Window on green agenda in public media

43
Q

Key policies of UKIP

A

Led by Nigel Farage

Wanted UK to leave the EU

44
Q

Influence of UKIP

A

Won 12.6% of the vote in 2015
Only won one seat as support dispersed
Douglas Carswell was only mp after 2015
That 12% led Conservative govt to give in to demands for a referendum in order to get back some of those votes
Achieved aim of Brexit
Now has almost no relevance in UK politics - vote share in 2019 was 0.1%

45
Q

What are the key policies of the SNP

A

Complete independence for Scotland as a sovereign state in the EU
Constitutional reform such as an elected second chamber
Proportional representation for general elections
Votes for 16+
SNP has abolished tuition fees in scotland

46
Q

What influence does SNP have

A

Formed a government in Scottish parliament since 2007
Won 56 or 59 seats in 2015 election
Won 49 in 2019
Persuaded Cameron to allow Scottish Independence referendum which they did not win
Acquired greater devolution in the Scotland Act 2016

47
Q

Give examples of things which affect political party success

A

Lib Dems suffered at 2015 election due to poor record in government
Which included Failure to abolish tuition fees (instead they rose to over £9K)
Also success of SNP in Scotland meant loss of a number of seats
Labour lost support in 2010 due to Iraq War and financial crisis of 2008
May had a bad record in govt but Johnson regained party’s reputation through complete change in policy and his charisma (more like a president)
Cameron resigned after Brexit referendum loss
May unable to agree a deal with EU and eurosceptic mps

48
Q

Give examples of how leadership affects political parties

A

Clegg & Cameron made a strong confident duo after 2010 election
Nick Clegg seen to be the man to bring everyone back to the centre
Leadership debate - “ i agree with NIck)
Johnson’s strong stance on salience issue (Brexit) recognising growing support for Brexit Party
Johnson was well known to public as former Mayor of London - people liked him - wanted to get a drink with him
Tony Blair strong leadership bringing labour back to the centre and reform to prove that - clause 4. He was viewed as strong in comparison with John Major who was criticised as “weak, weak, weak”
May looked weak - badly thought out policies eg dementia tax and lost 20 point poll lead

49
Q

Give examples of poor opposition leadership

A

Miliband - perceived as too left wing but people thought him devious (ran against his more popular brother also clumsy (bacon sandwich)
Corbyn - too radical - IRA connections and anti semitic issues within labour under his leadership

50
Q

What key influence did DUP have

A

Part of the confidence and supply agreement with May’s govt after 2017 election
Has kept NI in the UK and been part of the Northern Ireland assembly since it’s formation
Currently no assembly in Ireland after the recent elections due to lack of agreement over Northern Ireland protocol

51
Q

Give examples of geographical support for parties

A

Conservatives won 80 seat majority after breaking “red wall” in the north
SNP dominates in Scotland 56 of the 59 seats
Lib Dems lost 49 seats in 2015 election s they lost supporter base in SW of England to conservatives
2017 election labour gained London, wales and the north

52
Q

4 Key policies of Green Party

A 
Build large number of environmentally friendly houses
Abolition of tuition fees
Wealth tax on top 1%
Universal basic income of £89 per week
Opposed to trident
Legalisation of cannabis
53
Q

Key points of UKIP

A

Wanted independence from Europe
Led by Nigel Farage til success of referendum
Won 12.6% vote at 2015 election but only one seat due to FPTP system
Conservative MP’s Carswell and Reckless both defected before 2015election but only Carswell retained seat at the election (Reckless was a twat)
Achieved ultimate aim
Now almost no relevance in Uk politics 0.1% of vote in 2019

54
Q

What is Brexit Party

A

Led by Nigel Farage
In order to get brexit done
No MP’s
But won 36% of the vote at the 2019 European Elections giving them 29 of the 72 seats available
It’s policies adopted by Johnson at 2019 election and Brexit party did not field candidates against tories concentrating on splitting the labour vote

55
Q

Key policies of SNP

A

Second referendum on Scottish independence
If independent then go back into EU
Lower voting age to 16
Supports living wage

56
Q

Why is SNP so influential

A

Formed the govt since 2007
Persuaded Cameron to hold an independence referendum in 2014
Gained greater devolution in Scotland Act 2016 despite losing referendum
Won 56 of 59 seats in 2019 which was never expected under the AMS
Dropped to 48 in 2019

57
Q

Why is DUP influential

A

Has kept NI in the UK
Always had influence partic with conservative govt but this was v strong during Theresa May’s govt after 2017 - confidence and supply agreement
Won 8 seats in 2019
Storming has not been functioning as it should in recent years
DUP second party after Sein Fein after 2022 elections
currently DUP refusing to go into govt with Sein Fein citing issues with Northern Ireland protocol but this is bollocks

58
Q

Who were change UK

A

Lasted for 10 months in 2019
Campaigned for second referendum
Only got 0.03% of votes in 2019 and lost all MPs who had defected from more established parties (labour and Tory)

59
Q

Give example of when a party’s time in govt has influenced future success

A

Lib Dems in 2015 lost most of their seats because they had failed to convince coalition govt not to raise tuition fees
Labour lost support in 2010 due to Iraq war
Labour lost support in 2010 due to financial crisis
Everything May touched went wrong but Johnson rebranded and had great success in 2019 (all going wrong now though - currently 9points behind Labour)

60
Q

Give an example of when a party leader resigned due to govt policy

A

Cameron after 2016 EU referendum loss
May after catalogue of disasters and inability to agree either a deal with EU or deliver promised “strong and stable govt”

61
Q

Key points on Tory economic policy

A

Since 2010 focussed on reducing deficit (£1.1trillion)
May abandoned this as thought to be stunting growth
Unprecedented levels of borrowing during covid to save economy
Party neo liberal in attitude to markets
Levelling up promises of Johnson to win red wall seats
May created £2.3 b fund to increase productivity but
Covid has forced govt to increase tax eg 10% rise in NIC in 2022 leading to heaviest tax burden in 70 years

62
Q

Key points on current Tory law and order policy

A

2017 and 2019 promised to change HRA to allowed harsher response to terrorism
Police crime sentencing and courts bill 2022 - heavily affect peoples right to protest currently been rejected by HoL

63
Q

Key points on current Tory welfare policy

A

Overall cap on total welfare benefits to make unemployment less attractive
2019 manifesto promised to increase NHS spending and employ 50,000 more nurses
Also no cuts to tax or NI
Also pensions rise by 2.5% per year, spend £6bn on 2.2 million disadvantaged homes
Under Cameron’s govt same sex marriage legalised 2013
Under Cameron living wage was introduced 2015

64
Q

Key points on current Tory foreign policy

A

Support NATO
Support close links to USA
Want to increase trade links with USA, Australia etc to make up for losses since leaving EU
Support Nuclear deterrent
2021 withdrew from Afganistan
2022 Johnson’s govt has led Europe support for Ukraine

65
Q

Examples of old labour values/policies

A

Redistribution of income to grant great social equality
Total equality not possible so focus on equality of opportunity
Support for collectivism, TU and common ownership of industry
Created NHS after 2WW
Comprehensive education introduced in 1960s - Crosland -

66
Q

Examples of new labour policies/policies

A

High increases in NHS and education spending
Reductions in corporation tax
Much constitutional reform - devolution/HRA/ Freedom of information act/electoral reform in devolved administrations

67
Q

Current Labour policies (mostly from 2017/19 manifesto)

A 
Increase income tax for top 5% 
Reverse cuts to corporation tax
Abolish universal credit
Abolish tuition fees
Green new deal
Common ownership of rail, mail and energy
End outsourcing of NHS
Continue free movement post brexit
Greater devolution and abolish HoL
Raise min wage to £10 p/h
End state pension age rises
Hold a 2nd EU ref
Many of these may have mellowed since Kier Starmer became leader

UK Politics (the Constitution, ) (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions