POLITICAL PARTIES Flashcards
ADD ANALYSIS
- Explain and analyse three influences on the development of the Conservative Party. p206-209 and your notes.
P – One-nation Conservatism
E – Commonly associated with Disraeli and aimed to bridge the gap between the tich and the poor through moderate social reform and paternalism. Protecting of vulnerable without destroying free market capitalism or redistributing wealth.
E – Disraeli – “The palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy”. Johnson called the government a “people’s government”.
P – Butskellite pragmatism and consensus
E – In the wake of WW2, the Conservatives shifted more to the centre and accepted the bulk of reforms. Was pro-European and joining the EEC.
P – Thatcherism
E – New right political ideology involving cutting spending and taxes. Wants to denationalise government owned industry and lower taxes. Strong foreign policy and Europsceptic.
- Explain and analyse three policies in the Conservative Party manifesto of 2019. p209 and your notes.
P – Get Brexit Done
E – The UK will leave the EU whether a deal is negotiated or not.
E – Thus remove the influence and power and institutions such as that of the European court of human justice. This reflects the one-nation strand of conservatism who believe in sovereignty.
P - Improvement to public services including extra funding to the NHS
E – This would allow for 50million more GP appointments per year and 50,000 more nurses.
E Butskellism consensus strand of conservatism as it shows an acceptance and expansion as a key plank of the welfare state.
P – Crack down on benefit fraud
E – Anyone who can work should work and contribute to the economy.
E – Thatcherism reflected as this aims to reduce “welfare dependency culture”
- Explain and analyse three influences on the development of the Labour Party. p206-209 and your notes.
P – Economic socialism
E – Attlee’s government set up the welfare state and took state ownership of many core industries including coal, iron and steel. Labour has a commitment to put people ahead of private profit.
P - Trade Unionism
E – Many unions have looked to Labour to protect and advance the rights of workers and have traditionally funded the party.
CE- Influence of trade unions has declined. Just 12 unions affiliated with Labour in2020.
P – New Labour
E – Under Blair. Modernise and centre the party. Accepted many of the Thatcherite economic policies whilst retaining Labour’s social values.
- Explain and analyse three policies in the Labour Party manifesto of 2019. p212-213 and your notes.
P – To hold a second Brexit referendum following a renegotiation of a new Brexit deal within 3 months.
E -The choice would then be the renegotiated deal or Remain and the referendum would be held within 6 months.
E – Arguably more Blairite as demonstrates a clear desire to remain in or closely aligned with the EU.
P – Remove unnecessary restrictions on trade unions.
E – Enhance their right to meet and represent members. Reverse the trade union Act 2016. Of course, this reflects the trade-unionist strand of Labour.
P – Bring forward the net-zero target on Carbon Emissions.
E – This would put the UK on track for a net carbon energy system within the 2030s.
- Explain and analyse three influences on the development of the Liberal Democrats. p213-214 and your notes.
The Liberal democrats was formed after the merging of the Liberals and the Social Democratic party
P – The Liberals
E – Had been the main contender to the Conservative party and stood for free trade, religious tolerance and a more ethical foreign policy until the Labour Party was established. The Labour party took many of their working class voters meanwhile the Conservatives played on the middle classes fears of socialism to attract them.
P – The Social Democratic party
E – Founded by centrist Labour politicians. Wary of Labours withdrawal from EEC and their nuclear disarmament commitment.
P – Political reform
E – Now the party is a centrist party with a strong commitment to Europe and an emphasis on human rights and freedom. They want constitutional reform including that of the voting system.
- Explain and analyse three policies in the Liberal Democrat manifesto of 2019. p214-215 and your notes.
P – Stop Brexit completely.
E – Not pursue a renegotiated Brexit Deal or second referendum. Wanted to attract angry remain voters.
E – Most pro-European party and believe Britain is better in the EU.
P – Reform the voting system
E - Involves giving the vote to 16-17 year olds and put an end to wasted votes by introducing STV for electing MPs.
E - Reflects their values of political reform to make the system fairer and more representatives
P – Champion a federal system for the UK
E – Extending devolution for each nation. Oppose excessive powers of Westminster
- Explain and analyse the structures of the three major UK parties – Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat. p216-217 and your notes.
P – The Conservatives have Local Level and national level structures.
E – Local Conservative Associations which play a key role in organising grassroots of the party and in running local campaigns. They also have a National HQ in Westminster where day-to-day running is taken care of by a Board.
P – Labour has a structure which allows for representation
E – Each constituency has a Constituency Labour Party which takes the lead in campaigns. Day-to-day running taken care of by the Nation Executive Committee. This includes representatives from Young Labour, trade Unions and CLP members.
P – Liberal Democrats have a more federal structure.
E – Their local branches are organised along federal lines with separate national parties for England, Scotland, and Wales. Motions passed at conference become official national party policy. Policies that affect UK or England voted by at the Liberal Democrat Federal conference whilst the Scottish and Welsh conferences set policy that affects their own area.
- Explain and analyse three ways in which ordinary party members can play a role in political parties. p216-219 and your notes.
P – Lead local campaigns
E – In the Liberal Democrat party, ordinary members of the local branches take the main role in running constituency-level campaigns and submitting motions to conference for debate.
P – Choose a party leader
E – After MPs have narrowed it down to two choices, it is up to the party members to decide. Eg Johnson or Hunt. 2024 Kemi Badenoch
P – Participation in policy making
E – Conservatives established a Conservative Policy Forum in 1998 to allow more grassroots participation in policy making although its role is advisory.
- Explain and analyse three ways in which UK political parties elect their leaders. p218-219 and your notes.
P - Conservative Party
E – MPs vote in a series of ballots and reduce the choice of candidates to 2. Party members then make a final pick on a one member, one vote basis. In 2024, they chose Kemi Badenoch over Robert Jenrick
P – Labour Party
E – Candidates must first secure backing of 10% MPs and 5% of constituency parties. Party members vote for their chosen party leader using AV system. In 2020 Starmer won 50% vote in first round so no need for a second round of voting
P - Liberal Democrats
E – Candidates must be supported by 10% MPs and at least 200 members from more than 20 local parties. Party members vote on a one member, one vote basis. In 2020, Ed Davey secured the win with 63%.
- Explain and analyse three functions of political parties. p216-219 and your notes.
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- Explain and analyse three ways in which political parties are funded. p220 and your notes.
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 – Major donations or loans can only come from UK residents.
P – Member Subscriptions.
E - Party membership is not large enough to sustain the level of finance required to professionally run national campaigns. Before the 2015 referendum, Labour membership fees cost £3.50.
P – Individual Donors
E - All main parties have relied on generous individuals or institutions. Conservatives receive funding from big business and Labour received over £3million from trade unions in 2019.
P – State Funding
E – Parties can receive public funds through Policy Development Grants (£2million annually) which is available to parties with 2 or more seat in the Commons. Opposition can also receive short and Cranborne grants to help them with their administrative work in scrutinising the government.
- Explain and analyse three reasons supporting the state funding of political parties. p221 and your notes.
P – Reduce reliance on “big money” interests.
E – Take away the dependence form donors who want something in return. In 1997, Mr Ecclestone gave Labour £1million and was in talks over another £1m. He went to see Mr Blair and lobby him to exempt formula one racing from a tobacco advertising ban. It then emerged in Brussels that the anti-smoking health minister, Tessa Jowell, was arguing for a formula one exemption.
E – This would enable politicians to focus on representing constituents and developing policies that will develop the entire nation.
P – Could introduce proportional funding.
E – Funds could be allocated on the number of votes received at Westminster elections. This would ensure that funding reflects the will of the people. Would also mean that it would encourage the larger parties to campaign in all seats and try and get as many votes as possible in safe seats too.
P – Promotes pluralism.
E – Remove two party dominance by allowing smaller parties to compete effectively on a national scale and ensure economic inequalities in society do not translate into political inequalities. Could be used to ensure representation. Eg a certain number of women or people from ethnic minorities as candidates.
- Explain and analyse three reasons opposing the state funding of political parties. p221 and your notes.
P – Current system is effective and does not need reform.
E – Effective regulation already exists. Political parties, elections and referendums Act (2000) capped local and national electoral spending, introduced regulations to increase transparency such as the need to declare payments of over £5000 nationally and £1000 locally.
E – Public resources are scares and this would take money away from schools and hosptals ect.
P – Reduce the independence of parties
E – It would disconnect parties from the voters who would not be allowed to donate to a cause they agree with. This would increase levels of apathy and mistrust among voters. As well as erode the party to provide appealing proposals to the electorate.
P – Entrench existing party strengths.
E – A proportional system based on the existing share of the vote merely strengthens the larger parties and makes it harder for smaller parties to get off the ground. They are already disadvantaged by FTPT. Established parties could collude in squeezing out other parties that threaten their soel income.
- Explain and analyse three ways in which the media can influence on the outcome of elections. p222-223 and your notes.
P – Newspapers
E – Conservative win in 1992, The Sun famously declared “it’s the sun that done it”. The Sun supported Blair in 1997 and a study argued this decision to switch generated around 525,000 extra votes for Labour.
CE – However, newspaper circulation has fallen drastically with most political wars now occurring on social media. Now The Sun has a mere half-million daily readers.
P – Televised Party Leader debates.
E – Can significantly increase a candidate’s popularity. “Cleggmania” after Nick Clegg appeared to win the first leaders debate in 2010. His popularity rose by 24%.
CE – In the election, they only gained 1% more support.
P – Increase in young voters
E – “Youthquake” turnout of young voters voting Labour. Due to the personalised aspect of social media and Labours online presence. The party used Facebook, Twitter, and online videos to build and motivate its voter base, rather than to attack the Conservatives. Corbyn’s Facebook and Twitter followers more than 3X Mays.
- Explain and analyse three factors that affect parties and their electoral outcomes. p223-224 and your notes.
P – Electoral System
E – Under the current system the Conservatives are overrewarded. 43% vote for 56% seats in 2019. Lib Dems got 11% votes but only 1 seat.
E – Leads to tactical voting and campaigning. Brexit party not challenging Conservatives for fear of splitting the “Leave” vote.
P – Social class
E – For much of the post 1945 period, the bulk of working class people voted Labour, with the middle and upper classes voting Conservative. Parties adopted policies to appeal to their specific voters. Low tax on big businesses.
CE – Decreasing significance due to de-industrialisation. In 2019, the Conservatives won the vote for all social classes.
P – Age
E – 67% of 70+ year olds voted Conservative in comparison to 21% of 18–21-year-olds. Young voters tended to vote remain showing perhaps a move to a more globalist worldview.
- Explain and analyse three factors that favour the major political parties in the British party system. p223-224 and your notes.
P – Electoral System
E – Under the current FTPT system, the Conservative Party is overrewarded with 43% of the vote yet 56% of the seats yet the Lib Dems got 11% vote and only one seat, the 3rd largest party. Smaller parties cannot gain representation and protects the duopoly.
CE – SNP 56/59 Scottish seats
P – Funding.
E – Lack of funding for smaller parties makes it difficult to break the major party domination. Conservatives have received consistent funding from big businesses and Labour from trade unions such as Unite.
P – Social Class
E – Major parties have had a distinct demographic post 1945 with Labour dominating in the working classes and the Conservatives dominating with Upper- and Middle-class people
CE – Decline in influence of social class due to deindustrialisation and immigration. In 2019, Conservatives won across all social classes.
- Explain and analyse why some parties do better than others in elections. p223-224 and your notes
P – Electoral system
E – Under the current FTPT system, the Conservative Party is overrewarded with 43% of the vote yet 56% of the seats yet the Lib Dems got 11% vote and only one seat, the 3rd largest party. Smaller parties cannot gain representation and protects the duopoly. Wasted votes.
P - Policy and leadership
E – Conservative simple slogan Get Brexit Done vs Labours convoluted Brexit stance. Foot’s extreme left-wing policies made him unpopular among many voters.
P – Barriers to entry for smaller parties
E – Lack of funding, political duopoly due to social class make it difficult for smaller parties to achieve an electoral breakthrough.
CE – Influence of social class is dwindling.
- Explain and analyse three ways in which minor parties (not Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat) can influence the political agenda. p224-225 and your notes. – Reform uk
P – Smaller parties can influence the government from outside of Westminster.
E - Green Party – pressure on gov and a higher awareness of environmental issues. Forcing other parties to change their agenda. Pressure from UKIP important factor in pressuring the government into the 2016 EU referendum. Originally to try and threaten UKIPs electoral threat.
P – SNP being the largest party in Scotland.
E- Parliamentary presence makes it important in a hung parliament. Pressure from the SNP for 2014 election referendum.
P – Important in minority governments
E – DUP and Conservative “supply and confidence deal”. Allows the Conservatives to pass their policies in the case of a hung parliament
- Explain and analyse three ways in which the UK can be described as a two-party system. P225-226 and your notes.
P – Two party system that retains its stability due to FTPT
E – 2019 majority due to FTPT allows them to pass their policies. FTPT has meant that in 2019 Labour and Conservatives had 87% seats.
P – Culture of British politics
E – Historically Labour has been supported by trade unions and the working class and the conservatives by the middle and upper classes as well as big businesses. Makes it hard for smaller parties to find their place.
CE – Arrival of issues which do not fit into left right political divide such as independence and the environment have allowed parties such as the SNP and the Greens to gain popularity
P – Recent election results
E - 2017 and 2019 election results show support for two main parties remains high. 89% and 87% seats. Dominate in legislation and scrutiny.
- Explain and analyse three ways in which the UK can be described as a multi-party system. P225-226 and your notes.
P – Smaller parties more important in times of minority govs
E – Liberal Democrat – Conservative Coalition. DUP – Conservative Supply and Confidence Agreement
P – Rise of the SNP who had their electoral breakthrough in 2015 following its high profile campaign in the 2014 independence referendum and replacing Labour as the dominant party. Benefits from FTPT – IN 2015 56/59 Seats with 50% vote share.
P – Important in influencing political agenda from outside Westminster.
E - Green Party – pressure on gov and a higher awareness of environmental issues. Forcing other parties to change their agenda. Pressure from UKIP important factor in pressuring the government into the 2016 EU referendum. Originally to try and threaten UKIPs electoral threat.
