political parties

Question 1

ideology

Answer 1

the core beliefs and ideas of political parties. UK parties were traditionally seen as much more ideological than their American equivalents.

Question 2

party structure

Answer 2

the organisation of political parties at both local and national level.

Question 3

party systems

Answer 3

the way in which political parties operate in a country. the UK is usually said to have a two-party system, although this is much less true in the regions, where multiparty systems prevail.

Question 4

party funding

Answer 4

the methods by which political parties raise money to finance their activities, e.g. campaigning, advertising, policy research. most funding is via private donations and not the state.

Question 5

party functions

Answer 5

a political party’s key roes, primarily contesting elections and seeking to hold power.

Question 6

minor parties

Answer 6

smaller political parties that often have few or no MPs, e.g. the Green Party.

Question 7

political agenda

Answer 7

issues that are the subject of decision-making and debate by those with political power. the agenda varies according to time and circumstance, as well as which party is in power.