Political Parties

Question 1

Who is the current leader of the Conservative Party?

Answer 1

Rishi Sunak

Question 2

Who is the Leader of the Labour Party?

Answer 2

Kier Starmer

Question 3

What are the key focus areas for Traditional Conservatives?

Answer 3

Free market economy
Lower direct taxation
Strong law and order
Freedom of the Individual
Large investments in military and defence.
Privatisation

Question 4

What do New right Conservatives focus upon?

Answer 4

They combine two theories:
Neo-Liberalism- reducing tax and a minimal state
Neo-Conservatism- loose attitude to lifestyles can lead to a breakdown in social order, thereby seeking to maintain social order.

Question 5

What is the definition of a political party?

Answer 5

An organisation of people with similar political views and values, that develop policies to implement when in government.

Question 6

What is One nation Conservatism?

Answer 6

It is the name given to politicians that practise the policies of traditional conservatism.
It promotes social cohesion and originated in the 19th century with Benjamin Disraeli.

Question 7

What is pragmatism?

Answer 7

If something works then it does nit need to be replaced or changed.

Question 8

What are three of the Conservative Factions?

Answer 8

Net Zero Scrutiny- Was set up in the run up to the Cop 26 climate summit, to analyse some of the polices suggested for the COP26.
Blue Collar Conservatism- Originally launched by Esther McVey in parallel with her leadership bid in 2019.
European Research group- This was the model that the other factions used following in order to be established. Set up in 1993, and was the voice of euro-scepticism.

Question 9

When did the New Right appear and who did it come from?

Answer 9

It began to control the conservatives during the 1970s and 80s, as a reaction to the rise of democratic socialism. Thatcher played a large role in the establishment of Neo-liberalism/ New Right.

Question 10

How do Neo-Conservatives differ from neo-liberals?

Answer 10

They agree upon the management of the economy, however they believe that a strong authoritarian state is needed to prevent social conflict.

Question 11

What is Thatcherism?

Answer 11

This was the adoption of Neo-Liberal and Neo-Conservatism by Margret Thatcher to revolutionise 20th century Britain.

Question 12

What form of Conservatism did Cameron align with?

Answer 12

Viewed as a One nation Conservative as he passed the Bill of Rights in 2010, cementing in place the 1998 legislation passed originally.

Question 13

What influence can a faction have upon their party?

Answer 13

Dependant upon the size of their membership they can be highly influential.

Question 14

What created the need for party factions?

Answer 14

The electoral reforms of 1862 allowed for more people to vote, meaning that factions were created to represent specific political ideas.

Question 15

What is meritocracy?

Answer 15

The idea that people gain positions or earn things within society, based upon their skills and experience.

Question 16

What does the Tory Reform Group promote?

Answer 16

The values of One Nation Conservatism.

Question 17

What are the two elements that make up Labour?

Answer 17

Traditional Labour- Which links to democratic socialists.
New Labour- describes the actions of Blair and Brown, under the Third Way.

Question 18

What is the Third way?

Answer 18

It was introduced by Anthony Giddens, to encourage equal opportunities by eradicating the rich and poor divide in society.
It was the method that Tony Blair adopted.

Question 19

What is Individualism?
(New)

Answer 19

It irradiated the old collectivist ideas of Labour.
Emphasised the ability of individuals to reach their goals.
Stress upon education to maximise the abilities of individuals.

Question 20

What is Collectivism?
(Traditional)

Answer 20

The belief that people prefer to achieve their goals in a collective way.
Trade Union support allows workers to stand together.

Question 21

How do Traditional Labour view the State?

Answer 21

Government intervention allows for capitalism takeover to be minimalised.
The central state can play a role in controlling the economy and social justice.

Question 22

How does New Labour view the state?

Answer 22

That it is there to support as a “safety net” for those most in need.
Help is withdrawn from those that are not actively seeking work.
By having a capitalist economy, more money can be re-distributed or reimbursed into public services.

Question 23

What fundamental difference is there between Traditional and New Labour?

Answer 23

Traditional Labour completely disproves of capitalism, unless it directly improves the wider community.
Whereas, New Labour accepts that free-market capitalism is the best form of creating wealth, that can then be put into the economy to benefit all.

Question 24

When did New Labour emerge?

Answer 24

Following the defeat in the 1992 election, recognising that the party required change for it to be elected.

Question 25

How did New Labour change policy for the UK?

Answer 25

They brought in a minimum wage.
Higher education access was widened, with tuition fees being introduced to cover costs of more people going through education.
Devolution to Wales, Scotland and NI.

Question 26

What are two similarities between old and new Labour?

Answer 26

Both believe that excessive inequality in society is unacceptable
There should be widespread equality of opportunity.

Question 27

What is Progressive Britain?

Answer 27

They are a faction from within the Labour party, dedicated to the renewal of the centre left of the party.

Question 28

What does Open Labour stand for?

Answer 28

Representing Labour’s left wing, to radically change the economy and promote a fairer democracy.

Question 29

What is one thing that Open Labour actively do?

Answer 29

They work closely with the Trade Unions to aid the demands of the workers within the unions, which in turn makes a better quality of life for everyone.

Question 30

How were the Lib Dems created?

Answer 30

They were originally a faction of the Labour party, but then became known as the DUP initially.

Question 31

What is the largest factor in preventing lib dem success?

Answer 31

FPTP elections

Question 32

What are two key Liberal ideas used in the Lib Dems?

Answer 32

Protecting individuals freedoms and rights.
Free market economy, to allow people to pursue their individual ideas.

Question 33

In what year did UKIP have the most success?

Answer 33

2015

Question 34

What external factors drove UKIP to success?

Answer 34

Growing Euroscepticism within the UK prior to the brexit vote.