political parties Flashcards
what are the three main functions of political parties?
-aim to exercise power by winning political office.
-adopt a broad issue focus, addressing each of the major areas of government.
-united by shared political preference.
arguments that support that political parties support democracy?
-political parties are one of the key means through which societies set out collective goals, formulate public policy and offer the voter an effective vote.
- all senior political careers start with the decision to join a political party an it is almost impossible to think of a major politician in the UK who is not associated with a party, parties provide the candidates for elections and help fill seats in elected bodies.
-the operation of government relies on parties in many ways as they help to form governments and give them a degree of stability and coherence and provide a source of opposition which help scrutinise policy.
-provide opportunities for citizens to join a group of mind liked people and help educate and mobilise the electorate by canvassing, public meetings etc.
arguments that support the idea that political ideas do not support democracy?
-effectiveness of parties in formulating policies has been questioned as major parties have become less interested in formulating larger goals for society and generally less interested in ideas and where there is a lack of clear ideological identity can contribute to low voter turnout.
-effectiveness of parties in recruiting and training leaders has also been questioned as parties are likely to choose leaders who are the most expert at winning elections and these skills are not necessarily the same skills needed to run the country.
-effectiveness of parties in organising government has been questioned as the decline in party unity since the 1970s has tended to weaken the majority of the parties control of the commons.
-voters loyalty and identification with parties has declined, turnout has fallen and membership of parties
short arguments for political parties supporting democracy?
-parties provide a mechanism to formulate policies and offer the voters a choice.
-parties are necessary for the effective working of government and Parliament.
-parties play a key role in educating and mobilising the electorate to ensure wider participation.
short arguments for political parties not supporting democracy?
-falling voter turnout, party identification and party membership reflect a failure of parties to engage people in politics.
-questions remain over whether there is enough difference between parties and a real choice for voters.
-the decline of party unity and discipline has increased instability.
how do parties receive finance?
-membership fees
-donations
-grants
what is the electoral commission?
-established by the political parties, elections and referendums act 2000.
-independent body which reviews the operation of the UK’s democratic processes
-has a number of key responsibilities like: reports on elections and referendums, sets the standard for running elections etc.
what are the restrictions to party spending?
-restricted under the 1983 Representation of the People Act.
-allowed to spend 30,000 per constituency.
-an individual may spend roughly spend 10,000-16,000 in the 25 days before an election.
-donations over 7,500 have to be publicly disclosed.
example of funding to the conservative party?
-JC Bamford given 2.5 million in 2 years
what perks do donators get to the conservative party?
-access to the leaders group and go to lunches with the government, where they are heard and spoke to.
-the advisory board for those who have spent more than 250,000.
-bragging rights
-titles.
what are the arguments in favour of state funding?
-Parties play an important role in representative democracy and so deserve public funding.
-Public funding would remove the great disparity in resources available to different -sized parties – political
equality.
-If the state matched donations by party members, it might encourage participation by the public and recruitment to parties.
-It would curb the possibly corrupt influence of private backers on party policy.
what are the arguments against state funding?
-Increased state funding could lead to calls for state regulation, possibly reducing parties’ independence.
-It is hard to decide how much support a party should have to qualify for funding – Plus is funding a party a matter of individual choice.
-Public funding could isolate parties from the wishes of voters.
-Taxpayers would resent compulsory contributions to parties of which they disapprove.
what are the left’s characteristics?
-a more positive view of human nature, seeing humans as social creatures with a prosperity for cooperation and sociability.
-the state as a force for good that can intervene to deliver equality and the redistribution of wealth via progressive taxation, universal welfare and higher spending on public services.
-the state plays a major role in the economy through nationalised industries, support for trade unions and using public spending to maintain economic growth and employment.
-in society the left is associated with an internationalist approach and global affairs.
what are the right’s characteristics?
-traditionally associated with a more pessimistic view of humans, seeing them as fragile, fallible and security seeking.
-key role of state is to provide strong law and order and promote social unity with a more limited welfare state.
-state plays limited role in economy as a market free from high levels of tax regulation, too much union power and nationalised industries is the best way of creating wealth and rewarding hard work.
-society the right is traditionally associated with traditional values based around patriotism
example of labour party factions?
-1990s Labour to 2015 reformed to new labour and away from its traditional social democracy under the banner of the third way.
