Political Parties Flashcards
Define the term “party”
A group of people with similar beliefs (an ideology)
What does “Consensus politics” mean?
There are many philosophical and policy similarities between the main political parties. The opposition therefore may support some of the government´s policies.
What does “Adversary politics” mean?
The main parties are divided by fundamental philosophical and policy differences. As a result, the opposition will routinely oppose the policies of the government.
What are the functions of political parties?
- Selecting candidates
- providing the personnel of government
- electing a leader
- policy formulation (manifesto)
- Representation
- mobilsing consent for government
Describe what a manifesto is
A set of policies a party wants to establish if they are given a mandate to do so.
Why can manifestos be considered as important?
- A contract with the voters
- Accountability
- Shows how they would govern
- shapes voting behaviour (image of the party)
Why could parties enhance democracy?
- Encourage political participation (standing for office, campaigning)
- Provide voters with a choice
- Serving as a means of communication between people and the government
- Education (debates in public forums)
Why could parties threaten democracy?
- Faith in parties can be seen as low through low turnout in election and a low number of memberships
- Parties are largely funded through donations
- underrepresentation of women or ethnic minorities in parties
Define right wing political ideas
Derive from liberal and conservative ideology and include small government, low taxation, protection of the individual liberty, law and order, national sovereignty, and strong defence.
Define left wing political ideas
Emphasises the importance of a fair and equal society with state intervention, higher taxes on the wealthier and extensive welfare provision.
It favours also an internationalist approach
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act (2000)
- Created stronger regulations for the funding of political parties to increase transparency and fairness.
- An independent electoral commission was established to monitor how much money political parties spend on campaigns
- The amount of money a political party can spend in a constituency during an election is limited to 30.000
- Political parties must declare large scale donations (over 5.000)
Explain the term “Short Money”
It is used in the HoC and reverse to money allocated to opposition parties for their work in Parliament based on the number of seats they have. This money is used to help them run offices and scrutinise the government.
Explain the term “Cranborne Money”
It is used in the HoL an reverse to annual payments made to the opposition party in the House of Lords to help them with their costs related to their work.
Which institution controls the fundings of political parties?
The independent electoral commission established through the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act (2000)
Who were the leader of the Labour Party since 2007?
- Gordon Brown (2007 - 2010)
- Ed Miliband (2010 - 2015)
- Jeremy Corbon (2015 - 2020)
- Keir Starmer (2020 - present)
What are the key ideas of Old Labour (Social Democracy)?
Equality - there should be no inequality in society
Collectivism - humans should work together
Capitalism must be controlled
Pro nationalisation
Social justice - all should have access to a good standard of living
What are the key ideas of New Labour (Third Way)
Individualism - each person should realise their own potential
Free market is the best form of wealth creation
A welfare state to support the needy
Social justice (the same as Old Labour)
All have community responsibility
Why should parties be state funded?
- It stops wealthy individuals and groups from influencing parties and policies
- Parties can focus on representing the people rather than fundraising
- Smaller parties will get fairer treatment
- Less wealthy pressure groups will get equal hearing by parties
Why should parties not be state funded?
- Politicians may be less interested in what pressure groups have to say
- Taxpayers may fund parties they do not support
- There would be disagreement over how funding would be allocated and who would pay it
Describe what traditional conservatism is and what it stands for
Emerged during the 19th century and was the party of:
- property
- pragmatism
- authoritarianism
- tradition
- stability
- sees human nature as a problem which needs to be controled
They argued that a free society with little government control would lead to major social disorder.
Describe what one-nation conservatism is and what it stands for
Traditional conservatism would not inspire the people. It should rather unite the nation in a collective reverence. Individuals should stop being selfish and the community should be the priority.
- Big society
- Pragmatism
- Obligations to society
One-nation is therefore more inclusive and progressive than traditional conservatism.
Describe what the New Right is and what it stands for
Also known as Thatcherism
Emerged from classical liberalism and traditional conservatism.
- small government
- individualism
- individual responsibility
- free market/lower taxes
- law and order
It emphasises the importance of traditional values and principles which allowed society to develop until this time.
Describe what is meant by “human nature” and how traditional conservatism views it
Thomas Hobbes argued that humans are imperfect ruthlessly self-interest.
Traditional conservatism views it in 3 distinct categories:
- Morally imperfect - humans are selfish creatures motivated by basic impulses
- Intellectually imperfect - Reality is beyond rational understanding
- Psychologically imperfect - humans rely on tradition and culture for an identity
Pragmatism
- Making a decisions on the basis of what works
- Flexibility of the mind
