Political Parties Flashcards
In what ways do parties provide representation?
They represent a particular ideological belief within society for example the SNP represent Scottish Nationalism.
However, recent centrism of main parties as well as class dealignment undermines this as Labour has generally shifted to the right through third way.
In ways do parties provide political engagement?
They have members and hold conferences which sets out party policy and leaves it open to discussion.
Leaders are also elected by members and hold events to push party policy.
In what ways do parties engage in political recruitment?
Parties select or reject potential candidates which provides opportunities for people searching for a career in politics.
In what ways do parties formulate policy?
Parties debate policy proposals and then present them to the public in manifestos.
How do parties Provide stable government?
Without parties parliament would be a coalition of individuals driven by personal goals and ambitions. Parties provide Clarity, choice, unity and order.
List 5 Nationalist Parties in the UK?
Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland - Campaign for reunification with Ireland, have seen much success in recent years.
SNP - Campaign for Scottish independence and dominate Scottish politics.
Plaid Cymru - Campaign for Welsh Independence but struggle outside of Western Wales.
Yorkshire Party - Campaign for Yorkshire devolution but have seen very limited success.
Mebyon Kernow - Campaign for Cornish independence but only have 5 seats in Cornish Council.
List 3 Single issue parties with a broad program in the UK?
The Green Party - Campaign predominantly for Green policies but have other policies such as legalisation of drugs.
Workers Party - Have campaigned heavily for Ceasefire in Gaza but also have other policies regarding workers.
Reform UK - Very Eurosceptic and anti-immigration but have other policies.
List Single Issue Parties with a single focus?
UKIP - Incredibly anti immigrant but have declined heavily in recent years.
British Unionist Party - Campaign solely for Unionism and have 1 seat in a council.
Give 2 recent examples of third parties performing well in UK elections?
In the 2010 General election the Liberal Democrat party won 57 seats which in turn led to the Conservatives forming a coalition with them.
In 2019 the SNP won 48 seats their highest number ever winning almost all of the seats in Scotland.
Who inspired the foundations of the Modern Conservative party and what did he say?
In 1834 in the aftermath of The Great Reform act Robert Peel wrote his Tamworth Manifesto which argued that the Conservative party would reform in order to survive.
What are the Hallmarks of One Nation Conservatism?
- Slow and Gradual Change evolution not revolution.
- A mixed economy with state intervention where necessary.
- Support of necessary welfare through paternalism.
- Internationalism and increasing European Integration.
However, this has fallen out of fashion within Conservative Leadership.
Give 2 recent examples of One Nation Conservative Leadership?
David Cameron was in favour of EU membership and resigned once the results of the referendum were released, although he did carry out austerity, welfare still remained.
Rishi Sunak was elected by his party on the backing of One Nation Conservatives and has maintained welfare and not taking radical steps to cut taxes like his predecessor.
Give 2 recent examples of Thatcherite Neo Liberalism?
John Major who succeeded Thatcher changed very little regarding her policy and retained a degree of euro scepticism and lower taxes.
Liz Truss was very much in favour of trickle down economics and implemented a number of tax cuts that ultimately led to an economic crash as the deficits created by welfare were too large leading to her resigning after 45 days.
What is the Structure of the Conservative Party?
Constituency level Conservative associations organise the party at a local level and use this to plan local and national election campaigns.
What is the structure of the Labour Party?
New members are assigned to local branches of the party, these branches select local candidates and send delegates to the General Committee of the Constituency Labour Party. The CLP then organises the party at constituency level and organises campaigns and selects parliamentary candidates.
What is the structure of the Liberal Democrat Party?
It is organised along federal lines with a federal board. There are separate national parties in England, Scotland and Wales with some autonomy. These split further into regional parties.
What is the organisation of the Conservative Party?
The Conservative party is organised in the Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) based in Westminster. Very centralised structure.
What is the organisation of the Labour Party?
The National Executive Committee (NEC) drives the Labour Party. It carries out discipline, manages the party and has the final say on candidates and oversees the preparation of policy. The annual party conference used to be the original policy maker but this role has diminished.
What is the organisation of the Liberal Democrat Party?
It is organised by a Federal Board that is made up of 35 voting members and a steering committee within said board.
Explain the internal party democracy of selecting leaders for the Conservative Party?
Conservative Party MP’s vote in a series of ballots designed to narrow the race down to two. Party members then vote on a one member one vote basis (OMOV).
Explain the internal party democracy of selecting leaders for the Labour Party?
Potential candidates must secure 15% of the Parliamentary Labour Party to qualify for the ballot, then party vote in OMOV with an AV system.
Explain the internal party democracy of selecting leaders for the Liberal Democracy Party?
Must secure the nomination of 20 local parties or 200 party members to appear on the ballot, the party members then vote in OMOB with an AV system.
How do all three parties select their parliamentary candidates?
1) Hopeful candidates must be centrally vetted before being put on the list of prospective candidates.
2) Local party draws up a shortlist from the approved candidates.
3) Constituency members vote on preferred candidate, either in person during a meeting or by post.
What changes have Labour trialed to alter their selection process?
Labour pioneered the use of all women shortlists in order to increase the number of female MP’s.
What changes have The Conservatives trialed to alter their selection process?
The Conservatives have trialled public hustings, open primaries in which all registered voters could select a candidate and priority A lists to increase the number of women and people from ethnic backgrounds.
How do parties decide on policies on paper?
Each local branch will nominate members to speak at a conference and will then generate new policy ideas which is followed by a vote on said policy.
