Political Parties Flashcards
(222 cards)
1
Q
What can a political spectrum be used for?
A
Way of seeing different political views in relation to one another
2
Q
What are left wing part tendencies in terms of policy?
A
Favours nationalisation of public services, large state intervention in social and economic policy, aiming for greater quality
3
Q
What are centre tendencies in terms of policy?
A
Favours less state intervention but some regulation from the government on key policies
4
Q
What are right wing tendencies in terms of policy?
A
Favours privitisation of some public services, lessened state intervention in social and economic policy and greater personal autonomy
5
Q
What are the different ideologies in order from left-> right?
A
Communism
Socialism
Liberalism (centre)
Conservatism
Fascism
6
Q
What is the horseshoe theory?
A
Communism and Facism are most similar (both extremist theories)
7
Q
What does an Authoritarian rule mean?
A
government requires strict obedience to the authority of the state
8
Q
What does a Libertarian rule mean?
A
rights of the individual are favoured over the state. Some cases government is believed to hinder individuals freedoms
9
Q
What does Left wing + Libertarian create?
A
Social Democracy
10
Q
What is Social Democracy?
A
Society is a collection of small self regulatory communities that have no state input
11
Q
What does Left wing + Authoritarian create?
A
State communism
12
Q
What is State Communism?
A
Society is strictly controlled by the government making laws about how people can live
- Economic and fiscal policy controlled by the government
13
Q
What does Right wing + Authoritarian create?
A
(traditional Conservatism)
14
Q
What does traditional Conservatism mean?
A
Economic and fiscal deregulated to encourage free enterprise
15
Q
What does Right wing + Libertarian create?
A
Neo-Liberalism
16
Q
What are the Left, Centre and Right wing views on economy?
A
L State economic planning and nationalisation of all major industries
C Largely free market economy with some state regulation
R Strong support for totally free markets.
17
Q
What are the Left, Centre and Right wing views on the welfare state?
A
R Limited welfare system targeted at small minority
L Extensive welfare state
C Strong welfare system but targeted at most needy.
18
Q
What are the Left, Centre and Right wing views on culture and migration?
A
L Pro multiculturalism
R Anti immigration, asylum seeking and multiculturalism
C Tolerance of minorities
19
Q
What is a political party?
A
an organization of people with similar political opinions, which develops a series of goals its seeks to convert into action by obtaining office. It usually pursues these goals by mobilizing public opinion, selecting candidates and competing in elections.
20
Q
How can parties differ?
A
- in membership
- in organisation
- in broadness of values
- in aim
21
Q
How can political parties differ in membership?
A
Some parties are mass membership, with lots of members (such as the UK Labour Party), others may only have a small leadership group who seek supporters rather than members (such as the main US parties).
22
Q
How can political parties differ in organisation?
A
Some parties are highly organised with a formal permanent organisation, such as the German CDU, whilst others are loose, less permanent (like the US).
23
Q
How can political parties differ in broadness of value?
A
Some parties have a very narrow range of values and views, and are intensely united around those views, such as Reform UK; others have a broad range of people and their opinions cause them to split into factions, like within the Conservative Party.
24
Q
How can political parties differ in aim?
A
Some parties are very focused on gaining power, namely Labour and the Conservatives, whilst others seek merely to influence the political system (the Green Party).
25
What does a 'function' of a political party mean?
What the party does, why they exist
26
What are the different functions of political parties?
Making policy
Representation
Selecting candidates
Identifying leaders
Contesting elections
Political education
Reinforcing consent
27
How does a political party make policy?
Ruling party controls Government, Government is essentially their leadership
- Policy making function of ruling party is same as of the Government, involving political leaders, civil servants, advisory units, committees, private advisors, backbench MPs, members, local activists (BUT mostly made by minister + advisers)
Policy formation function- Aggregation
- Identifying a wide range of demands made on the political system, and converting them into programmes of action
- Undertaken by party leadership, people who will one day become ministers, will put their party policies into practical government
28
How does an opposition party make policy?
Opposition party, leadership have most influence, membership have a higher influence than in ruling party, through conferences, party committees, community can communicate to leadership, more ideas and demands passed to become policy, occuring at local, regional and national levels
29
How do political parties represent?
Parties of the 20th century argue they represent national interest, not just of specific classes or groups
- Seek to ensure all groups in society have interests and demands taken to consideration by government, but tend to be prejudiced to a group of society due to core values an ideologies
- Emergence of populist parties
- Rise in Issue Parties
30
How do Populist parties help representation?
- Tend to emerge and disappear rapidly
- Typically represent people who feel ignored by conventional parties
- Play on people's fears and dissatisfactions, generally taking root among the poor, who feel left behind
Generally defined by what they are opposed to, often anti-big government, anti taxation, anti big business, anti established policies
31
How do issue parties help representation?
- Represent particular cause ie Green Party
- Advancing women's rights in Europe
- Do also claim to represent national interest
32
How do Political parties select candidates?
Find local councillors, elected mayors, members of devolved assemblies, Welsh and Scottish parliaments, UK parliament
- Done at local and regional levels, through party committees staffed by activists
Local constituency parties have the greatest say, leaders at national levels also have some say
33
How do political parties identify leaders?
Established party leaders play a main role
Ruling Party:
PM controls appointment of ministers
Opposition Party:
Leader chooses small 'frontbench' spokespersons, forming leadership
34
How can internal party organisations and committees have an impact in identifying party leaders?
Dominance of party leaders, potential leaders have more say in internal party organisations and committees
Formal organisation of opportunities for members to become 'trained' as leaders
35
What are examples of members having a chance to identify party leaders?
2015-16 Labour: Ed Miliband resigned following 2015 election defeat, led to controversy. Party membership overwhelmingly voted to elect Jeremy Corbyn, but his views were far to the left of most Labour MPs and Peers. He was Party Leader until 2020, but many Labour MPs refused to acknowledge him as their leader
Conservative Party lost faith in Theresa May (then leader) in 2019 after failure to unify party to deliver agreed Brexit. Boris Johnson was overwhelmingly favoured by MPs and members (who have power to elect their leader), leading to his appointment of party leader then PM on 24 July 2019.
36
How were the Lib Dem 2019 + 2020 leadership elections conducted?
Candidates had to be an MP, have support of at least 10% of Lib Dem MPs, support of at least 200 members spread across at least 20 different local parties, ensuring widespread support across the party. Then candidates campaign and are elected by all members of the party on a one member, one vote basis.
System of Alternative Vote, should ensure a majority (2019 + 2020 was a contest between 2 candidates-> 2019: Jo Swinson + Ed Davey, 2020: Layla Moran + Ed Davey (Swinson lost her seat in 2019 general election))
37
What were the political leanings of the candidates in the 2019+ 2020 Lib Deb leadership elections?
Both contests, choice was between 2 sides of the party-> Ed Davey= more centrist, Orange Book group Lib Dens, Swinson + Moran= more socially liberal + progressive wing of the party
38
How do political parties contest elections?
Supply approved candidates, publicise election issues, persuade people to vote, inform them about candidates
Effort of PARTY ACTIVISTS, increase voter turnout
Party representatives count the votes, ensure elections are fair and honest
39
How do parties increase political education?
- Inform people about political issues of the day, explain main areas of conflict and outline their own solutions to the problems they have identified
- Educate the public on how the political system operates, ie Green party raised awareness about environmental issues, UKIP made role and position of the EU a debate, Labour raised awareness of issues of low pay, zero hour contracts, funding 'bedroom tax'- introduce ideas to the public that may not directly affect all of them
40
What other groups also influence political education?
Media and Think tanks have increasingly taken this over, supplying information to the public
Also social media growth + internet, marginalised the party
Pressure groups
41
How do political parties reinforce consent?
Main parties operate + support political system of the UK (Parliamentary democracy), ensure the general population consent to the system
If parties fundamentally challenged the system, would create political conflict in society at large
Parties generally challenging are usually extremist and are only marginal elements in the system
42
What is the Cash for Honours scandal 2006-7?
- Connection between political donations and life peerage awards
- March 2006: several men nominated for life peerages by Tony Blair were rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission, later revealed that they loaned large amounts of money to the Labour Party, at the suggestion of Labour fundraiser Lord Levy
- Resulted in 3 complaints to the Met Police, from those such as SNP MP Angus McNeil and Plaid Cymru leader Elfyn Llwyd
- Led to questioning of various Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem MPs, Lord Levy was arrested and later released on bail
43
What sources of finance do political parties have?
- Multiple sources of finance (collecting membership subscriptions from members, holding fundraising events like festivals, conferences, dinners. Receiving donations from supporters, raising loans from wealthy individual or banks, self financing of candidates, up to £2 million per party available in grants from Electoral Commission, Money granted to opposition parties in the Commons and Lords
44
Which parties have better access to funds?
- Larger parties have better access to funds-> Conservatives get donations from wealthy individuals and businesses, Labour gets donations from trade unions (nearly 60% of total party income 2014-15)
45
How have Labour's sources of income changed?
Donations from trade unions have drop, made it easier for individual union members to opt out of party contribution, 2017- dropped to over 11% of Labour's total income
46
What are sources of income for smaller parties like?
Smaller parties have no regular source of income, smaller memberships
47
Why do donors donate to smaller parties?
prospects of being in power are minimal, donors act out of idealism rather than prospects of gaining influence
48
What did the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000) change to funding laws?
people not on the UK electoral roll couldn't make the donations, Limits were places on how much could be spent on parliamentary elections, donations over £500 had to be declared, donations over £7500 had to be placed on electoral register
49
What does regulation on funding aim for?
Transparency rather than serious limits
50
What did the 2009 Political Parties and Elections Act do?
gave electoral commission to power to investigate and impose finances, restricted donations from non UK residents + tighter regulations in the election run up
51
Why is the current funding system controversial in terms of party size?
Funding favours the two main parties, putting smaller parties at great disadvantage in elections, creating political inequality
52
Why is the current funding system controversial in terms of donor influence?
- Funding by large donors represents hidden + unaccountable form of political influence Parties can't change specific policies or propose legislation as a direct result of donations, but donors may expect political return for their investment
- Funding could be corrupt (morally and legally). Donor may expect honours from party leaders like peerage or knighthood (CASH FOR HONOURS). Cannot be proven, was investigated between 2006-7
53
Why is the current funding system controversial in terms of decreasing party membership?
Steady decline of party membership means they are more reliant upon donors, furthering possibility of corruption + purchase of political influence
54
What are examples of large donations which have helped further embed the 2 party system in the UK? (from
Electoral commission reported examples
- 2015-17: Conservative party received £11.3 million from prominent figures and companies in financial sector
Received £3.6 million from property companies
Hedge fund proprietor Angus Fraser donated £1,137,400 to
- Early 2017: Unite trade union £657,702 to the Labour Party early in 2017
UNISON (public service union), donated £376,242 to Labour
55
Why are individual donations controversial?
Individual donations can be seen as undemocratic, can carry controversy
56
Why are trade union donations controversial?
Donation through trade union can be criticised as members of unions are not given clear choices
So much income comes from trade unions to Labour, they may have an influence on them
57
What are negatives of changing the current party funding system?
- Costs government lots of money than they already currently spend
- Gives more money to certain parties that may not represent British Interests
- Can still make donations to individuals in the party- may not decrease corruption
- Not in agreement as how to impose state party funding
- Decreases reliance on large donors, parties may stop representing their interests
- Decreases political participation
- May enforce 2 part system- ie 'par per voter scheme
- Tax payers end up funding a party they don't agree with
58
What did the Phillips report 2007 suggest on Party funding reforms?
- Suggested state party funding based on vote share or membership size, making party politics more fair and democratic in the UK
59
What are alternative party funding schemes?
1. Impose restrictions on size of individual donations to parties-> cap would have to be low to be effective
2. Impose tight restrictions on how much parties are allowed to spend. Make large scale funding futile
3. Restrict donations to individuals ie outlaw donations from businesses, pressure groups and trade unions
4. Replace all funding with state grant for parties, paid for out of general taxation.
60
What are the issues with the alternative party funding schemes?
No agreement on which solution
61
What are some examples of party funding controversies
Ecclestone
Cash for Questions 1996
Cash for Honours
62
What are positives of tax payers funding political parties
- Reduce corruption, makes parties more democratic
- Favours smaller parties
63
What are negatives of tax payers funding political parties?
- Trade unions provide around 3/4 funding for Labour
- Major business backers to Conservatives, have influence on policies
- Tax payers may feel forced to fund a political party they don't support
64
How does declining party membership increase the corruption of party funding?
- Look for funding from wealthy individuals
ie Ecclestone + Blair-> F1 would be exempt from tobacco advertising ban, Linked to £1 million donation-> donations can alter public policy at expense of the public interest
65
How can state funding decrease reliance on groups + individuals?
Currently more prevalant now memberships are decreasing, conditions exist for wealthy donors to have influence
- Less time finding funding, more time refining policy-> ie Conservatives auctioned Shoe shopping with Theresa may, Tea with Boris Johnson
- Opportunities for donors to talk with MPs about policy, have influence, access to decision makers
- State funding would eliminate 'pay to play'
66
How can state funding allow parties to ignore important stakeholders like trade unions + business owners as they no longer take money from them?
Politicians can become isolated to real world issues if they are denied access to interest groups, when they seek financial and electoral support
67
What is the evidence to show the dominance of the 2 major parties (Labour and Conservative)?
Could help smaller parties + break dominance
2017 election- showed 2 major parties benefitting most in the system
April to June 2017- more than half of all donations given to Conservative Party, around £25 million for Conservatives, £9 million from Labour, from small group of wealthy donors
JCB= high donor, linked to Conservative Party
Women's Equality party= £300,000
68
What does the current party funding system negatively impact smaller parties?
Smaller parties forced to rely on loans, decreases their long term liability, ensuring a 2 party dominance + giving voters less people to choose to vote from
69
How can state funding be biased towards existing parties, enforcing the 2 party dominance?
- 2007 Phillips report recommended 'pence per voter'-> only benefits 2 man parties who received the sost votes
- Penalises groups that have votes but lose due to FPTP system if the funding is from electoral system-> Ie vote share, seat share both supports Labour and Conservative, cannot break 2 party dominance
70
How are the existing laws for party funding week, showing state funding would be more viable?
Cash for questions John Major-> cash from Al Fayed to ask questions in the Commons
Political parties elections and referendums act-> requires transparency, only 568 people donated £14 million in 2016 to political parties
71
What are examples of state funding already existing, with better laws than current party funding laws, showing state funding is a better option?
Cranbourne money-> funds paid to opposition parties in the Lords to cover administrative costs
Short money-> funds paid to opposition parties that win seats in the Commons
Vital to help support the work of Opposition to hold the government to account
Laws are weak, points to leading state funding and political parties, existing state funding works efficiently and is important
72
What are examples of already existing laws on party finance that already work, showing there is no need for state party funding?
- Committee for standards of public life post Cash for Questions scandal:
If there is a response after scandals, there is no need for precautionary measures of state party funding
Expenses scandal-> recall act 2015, constituents can sack their MPs for financial wrong doing
- Seen in 2019, 1 Labour MP and 1 Conservative MP recalled
73
What impact does parties having to state where their funding comes from have?
- Provide voters with transparency
- Political parties, elections and referendums act- overall limits to elections and referendums spending on campaigns
- 2009- imposed tighter regulations on spending in the run up to elections
74
Why should a tax payer fund a party they don't agree with?
It you have to pay for a democracy, it need rules and regulations for it to work
- Getting a fair share of payment, that is not corrupt, leaving them less reliant on wealthy elite packers, it focuses policy on the people and not corruption, giving donors an upper hand in influencing policy
75
Why shouldn't a tax payer fund a party (State funding) they don't agree with?
Could reinforce the 2 party system and make them less responsive to real world issues from main backers
76
What is Conservatism?
· Conservatism is hard to define, as there is no one definite body of ideas that all conservatives follow.
· The idea of conservatism is older than the left-right definition. Conservatives seek to defend the prevailing social order or reinstate a past order, whatever that may be.
· Conservatives are anti-utopian and have a sceptical attitude towards human nature and morality.
77
What is the History of Conservatism?
· Idea of the importance of preserving status quo dates back to 14th Century
· Began to be used in a political sense in the 18th century - French Revolution.
· European fascism, i.e. the regimes of Hitler and Mussolini, drew on existing anti-modernist conservatism and anti-communism. But most traditionalist conservatives disliked mass fascist movements and the personality cult around the leader.
· Modern British Conservative party founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1840s.
78
Who was Edmund Burke?
regarded founder of the Western conservative tradition.
79
What is Traditional/Burkean Conservatism?
· condemned the rapid revolutionary change he saw in the French revolution, as it went against the established norms of society (Even though he supported the American Revolution)
· Burke’s ideals = conserve heritage, advocate the current social climate.
· He thought that moderate reform was preferable to revolutionary action.
· Want to preserve what is of value, keep hold of what works in society, sceptical of change, won't implement it too fast
80
What is One Nation Conservatism?
Paternalistic form of British Conservatism
- advocates preservation of established institutions and traditional principles within a political democracy, combined with social and economic programmes that benefit the ordinary person
- Society should be allowed to develop organically, rather than with state intervention
- Members of society have obligations towards one another-> the elite should work to reconcile interests of all social classes
- Government is a figure that has a duty to look after the people
81
Where does the phrase 'One Nation Tory' come from and what does it mean?
Originated with Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), who served as the chief Conservative spokesman, became Prime Minister in Feb 1868.
Devised to appeal to working-class men as solution to worsening divisions in society through introducing factory and health Acts, as well as greater protection for workers.
82
What are the Key Principles of traditional Conservatism?
Human Nature
Order
Tradition and Preservation
The Organic Society
Pragmatism
Individualism
Property
Opposition to Ideology
83
What are the Conservative views on Human Nature?
More pessimistic than liberals or socialists
Is made imperfect + driven by appetite not reason
Need to be led by firm government, benevolent figures (paternalism)
Intervene from self interest taking over entirely
84
What are Conservative views on Law and Order?
crime is the responsibility of the criminal and nobody else
85
What are Conservative views on Order?
Most basic need of Mankind is order and Security
Man has desire to be free and self-seeking- but would be intolerable if that was allowed to flourish
Gradual change and reform is needed to preserve order and prevent revolution- engaged with by Conservatives until Margret Thatcher
86
What are Conservative views on Tradition and Preservation?
includes both institutions and values
Need for traditional authority
Traditions provide continuity between past and present- ie stable and continuing monarch gives people sense of security amidst changing elected governments
Want to conserve what is seen as good, and reform everything else-> Modern British Conservatism tends to ignore this since 1980s (attacks on traditional institutions like CofE and Civil Service
87
What are Conservative views on The Organic Society?
- Stresses need to unite the nation to prevent social conflict by suggesting people are part of one single body (the nation) and are all interdependent
- Classes should work together and maintain their place in society to maintain nation's welfare, rather than engage in conflict
- Denies individuals to pursue their own interests without regard to societal wellbeing
- Ie David Cameron proclaimed himself a 'one nation Conservative'
- But do accept individuals can pursue their own goals + people are fundamentally unequal, but they do have responsibilities to society as a whole
- Role of the state to ensure unity of society by caring for the welfare of the people
- Attacked in 1980's by Thatcher
88
What are Conservative views on Pragmatism?
- Political action should be the result of a healthy relationship between the government and governed
- Flexible approach to politics, incorporating what is best for the people, what is acceptable to them, and what will preserve a stable society
- Rejection of strongly held ideology
- Financial Crash 2008- most Conservatives wanted tax reductions, but pragmatically remained to resist this idea in the interest of the government's budget deficit
89
What are Conservative views on Individualism?
- Suggests each individual and household should be presented with widest possible range of choices and opportunities + the state should restrict choice as little as possible.
- Provides link to liberal freedom but separate to the state can also enhance and facilitate choice and opportunity
- Interference of the state: law and order, national defence, management of currency
- Private life is not the concern of state: operating private businesses, religious belief, property and family expenditure
- Barrier between public and private spheres
- Best flourishes in stable social, moral and economic environment-> provided by morality, law and order-> tradition provides necessary circumstances for individuals to play their role in this
- Excessive exercise of individual liberties threatens individualism
90
What are Conservative views on Property?
- Conservatives used to fear the rise of the property-owning middle classes.
- This was because they would gain more power and authority.
- In 1860/1870s Tories accepted that they too must incorporate the interests of property owners.
- Nowadays, Conservatives try to defend the interests of home owners.
Property-owners are seen as having greater vested interest in order and so will ensure that there is stability in society.
91
What are Conservative views on Opposition to Ideology?
- Conservatism changes its character according to the dominant ideology.
- However, since the 1990s there has been little ideology in British politics.
92
What is the New Right?
New ideas and principles of Conservatism
Very dogmatic and ideological compared to previous Conservative
93
What is the New Right 'Hybrid Philosophy'?
combination of neo-conservatism and neo-liberalism
- Popular in 1970s and 1980s in USA and Britain
94
What is the New Right attitude?
Liberal attitudes to free market and capitalist economy. Conservative attitudes to society, morality and the maintenance of law and order
Often interchangeable with Thatcherism in the UK (PM Margret Thatcher)
95
What does the New Right react against?
Traditional Conservatism, Welfare Capitalism, Trade Unions, inefficiency of industry, government over-spending, perceived idleness
96
What are New Right/Thatcherism Key Ideas?
Deregulation
Disengagement
Trade Union Reform
Low Taxation
Dependency culture
Neo-Conservatism
97
What did Thatcher's ideal society look like?
Doesn't like unions, interfere with the trade market and maximising earning
Wants individuals to aim higher and achieve more
Wants to minimise government spending and involvement
Elements of family value
98
What are the New Right views on Deregulation
- Too much intervention by the state in industry, welfare policy, management of the economy-> state should disengage from the areas that promote wealth
- Privitisation of major industries formerly under state control + public ownership ie telecommunications, steel, coal, railways
- Allows competition, forcing business and industry to become more efficient and provide a better service
- Less domination of big banks, allowing freer flow of money and rapid growth
99
What are the New Right views on Disengagement?
- Saw intervening in major industries financial difficulties and providing artificial support to maintain employment and economic activity as short term measures that had long term damage, not treating the causes of economic decline
- State would no longer intervene to save declining industries as they were now seen as inefficient. Allowing resources to move to other growing industries or forcing efficiency.
- Less economy intervention, less burden on tax payers
100
What are the New Right views on Trade Union Reform?
- Saw trade unions as sustaining industrial inefficiency and maintaining excessive inflation by using their power for inefficient working practices and preventing technological innovation due to threats to their jobs.
- Limited the power and influence of unions
101
What are the New Right views on Low Taxation?
- Believed high levels of direct taxation were disincentive to enterprise and hard work
- Reduced levels of income tac, especially on high income earners (reduced on the top rate of income tax from 80% to 60%, reduced to 40% by end of 1980s
- Reduced other taxes like corporation tax on company profits
- VAT was raised to compensate
Low taxes are a long term incentive to wealth creation, reducing need for government spending + 'tax base; would increase
102
What are the New Right views on Dependency culture?
- Believed the poor were poor due to lack of work ethic and sense of enterprise + level of state welfare was too high
- Too much dependency on state benefits with no incentive to improve their economic circumstances
- Levels of benefits gradually eroded as incentive for the unemployed to work
After 2010 Conservative Party (particularly David Cameron and IDS) returned to idea and introduced tighter regulations and means testing for benefits- Welfare Reform Bill
103
What is the New Right view on Neo-Conservatism?
Made up of Economic Patriotism, Social Conservatism and Monoculturalism
104
What is Economic Patriotism?
stress on nationalism through its economic interests, leading British neo conservatives to oppose European integration (not in British best interest). Sceptical of international free trade, preferring protectionism
105
What is Social Conservatism?
authoritarian stance on crime with severe punishment for criminals seen as best form of deterrence. Believe modern western society is in moral decline, proposing restoration of traditional moral values. Desire for traditional family unit
106
What is Monoculturalism?
all members of society adopt same culture and values of culture, can be intolerant to different cultures, suspicious of immigration and asylum seeking. See influx of migrants as threat to traditional British values
107
What is celebrated from the Thatcher era of Britain?
- Revolutionising Britain's financial sector
108
What is controversial from the Thatcher era of Britain?
- People couldn't afford her houses
- Riots
Lack of union powers
109
Does the current Conservative party have more in common with One Nation or New Right ideology in terms of Economy?
One Nation, as the policies of the past PMs have fluctuated largely, implying the party has no one set ideology, as makes its decisions based on circumstance and perspective, making them much more of a pragmatic One Nation party than the dogmatic Thatcherism
110
Does the current Conservative party have more in common with One Nation or New Right ideology in terms of Law and Order?
mostly One Nation as they are all about high security for the nation and protecting every citizen from harm, as is the belief of One Nationism in safety and order.
111
Does the current Conservative party have more in common with One Nation or New Right ideology in terms of Social Policy/Welfare?
Direction of New right, but some One Nation policies- GOING TOWARDS New Right over the 14 years
112
Does the current Conservative party have more in common with One Nation or New Right ideology in terms of Foreign Policy?
Overall, many of these ideas are more One-Nation as they tie into having a negative view on human nature and a need for order. However, the emphasis on disengagement from many foreign nationals and foreign bodies, other than the commonwealth is a more New Right idea. This is also very pragmatic.
113
What are examples of the Modern Conservative Party's economic policies?
Cutting NI, potentially abolishing self-employed NI
Cut tax on state pensions
Refuse to raise any tax
Investment in the private sector
Reducing corporation tax
Increasing NLW
Harsher punishments for tax evasion and avoidance
Austerity - 2010, strict, frugal economic policies surrounding the public sector in a way of managing public debt
Energy Cap - 2022, reduced maximum energy prices, intervened and reduced powers of businesses over people
Liz Truss' Mini Budget - 2022, called "at last, a true Tory budget", included biggest tax cuts since 1972, funded by a vast expansion in borrowing, arguing it would be paid for by an economic boom
114
What are the One Nation leaning economic policies of the Modern Conservative party policies?
One Nation - policies are often contextual and based on circumstance, implying pragmatism, and there are some examples of government intervention and 'paternal care', highlighting perspectivism over ideology while still sticking to beliefs
115
What are the New Right leaning economic policies of the Modern Conservative party policies?
Thatcherism - Budgets such as 'Trussonomics' have led to major tax cuts, as well as greater punishments for tax avoidance, and a substantial focus on the private sector
116
What are examples of the Modern Conservative Party's Law and Order policies?
Give every neighbourhood an additional police officer by recruiting 8000 more police
Back the police by giving more tools, technology and powers
Appropriately vet officers to restore trust
Strengthen laws to punish predators - offences for stalking, coercive behaviour, sharing of images (Domestic Abuse Act)
25 year term for domestic murders
Building 4 new prisons, 20 000 by 2030
Remove foreign national offenders
Relocation of individuals who arrived in rwanda through illegal and unsafe routes to Rwanda - proposed in 2022
Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill (2022/23) crack down on prison sentencing and makes it more harsh
117
What are examples of the Modern Conservative Party's social/welfare policies?
Ban the use of mobile phones during the day
Mandatory national service
Champion rural communities
Reverse ULEZ
Cutting tax for pensioners
Increasing hours of childcare available for working parents
NHS funding- £185 billion (2025/6=£192 billion)
Marriage Act 2010
Equalities Minister Badenoch- School's don't have to accept a child's request to socially transition
Tighten the benefits system- ie Introduce tougher sanctions rules so people who refuse to take up suitable jobs after 12 months on benefits can have their cases closed and their benefits removed entirely
Clear age-limits on what children can be taught and guarantee the contested concept of gender identity is not taught to children.
Furlough scheme
Rishi against 'gender neutral language'
118
What are examples of the Modern Conservative Party's Foreign Policy?
- Using the lack of EU to change laws and increase independence
- Regular flights to Rwanda
- Higher defence spending: 2.5% of GDP
- Strengthen the commonwealth whilst maintaining the special relationship with the USA
- Small Island Development States
- Lower immigration
- Support Ukraine in the assault on Putin
119
What type of Socialism did Britain lean towards?
Not Marxists!
Revolutionary socialism/Marxism= Soviet union/China
Moderate socialism/ social democracy= British style
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What are the Old Labour/Social Democracy values?
Class
Equality
Social Justice- Redistribution of Wealth
Equality of Opportunity
Collectivism
Common Ownership (Clause IV, 1918 manifesto)
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What are the socialist views on Class?
* Most socialists see social class as crucial in society to develop common interests and purposes
* Marx described this as 'class conciousness', but more used today is 'common class interest'
* Natural antagonism between the middle and working classes exist due to conflict of interests and purposes
* Radical socialists believe that conflict between the classes should be encouraged, whilst moderate socialists believe it should be reconciled
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What are the Socialist views on Equality?
* Equality causes conflict between socialists and others, and within the socialist party
* Socialists and liberals share the belief that everyone is born with equal rights, for justice and access to power
* Socialists reject the idea that society has any kind of natural order, so each individual should have equal opportunity
* Equality of opportunity is a key concept to them, and all are entitled to the same life chances
* Most radical socialists e.g. Marx, believe there should be absolute economic equality and everyone should enjoy the same rewards, but most socialists argue that there should only be small differences in living standards
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What are the Socialist views on Social justice (redistribution of wealth)?
* This concept accepts that full scale equality is neither realistic nor practical, so only some inequalities should change
* Argues that the 'deserving poor' and inherited wealthy people should have redistribution of wealth, but people who are rich through own efforts deserve to retain their fortune, and the undeserving poor don't deserve state benefits
* It also means that all are entitled to equality of opportunity to eliminate artificial privilege
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What are the Socialist views on Equality of Opportunity?
Inequality can be unjust, even if Capitalism provides incentives for innovation and work
Free education- provides everyone in society with equal opportunities
- Socialists emphasise people who live in deprived areas do not have equal opportunities + face discrimination for their poorer backgrounds-> want living standards and opportunities to be more equal
- Want less class based bias in job sections like government and business, wanting institutions to be more open to a wider social spectrum, ie through positive discrimination or outlawing social discrimination
- Want more opportunities for a wider section of the community to secure a larger share of society's wealth, ie allowing more people to take part in capitalist enterprises themselves
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What are the socialist views on Collectivism?
People usually prefer to achieve goals collectively than independently
Action taken by an organised group is likely more effective than a sum of many individual's actions
- Want collectivism alongside individualism
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What are Labour examples of Collectivism?
- 1940s: nationalised large British industries of railways, coal, steel, electricity, gas, telecommunications. Ensures they work for the benefit of the community, not for profits + worker exploitation
- Always supporting trade union power: fixing unbalanced relationship between workers and employers
Welfare state: provides government funded and organised health, education, pensions, housing and insurance against unemployment or poverty, done through taxes.
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What is Common Ownership?
Clause IV of the 1918 Manifesto:
- Most equitable distribution of assets, goods and services through basic common ownership and exchange
- Want to nationalise all industries
- Got rid of by Tony Blair in 90s
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When was the era of 'Social Democracy'?
The reforms of Clement Atlee’s post-war Labour Government (1945-51) gave rise to a particular brand of socialism called Social Democracy
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What were the understandings
of Social Democracy?
Accepts capitalism is good at generating wealth, but not good at protecting the poor or distributing wealth
130
What were the aims and reforms of Social Democracy?
Mixed Economy
Keynesian Economic Management
Comprehensive Social Welfare
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What is a Mixed Economy?
- Mixed of private and public industry
- Coal, gas, steel, railways, electricity-> nationalised by Attlee
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What is Keynesian Economic Management?
- Keynesianism
- State regulated economy
- Believed government could achieve full employment and stimulate economy through high level public spending
- 'Tax and spend' policies
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What is Comprehensive Social Welfare?
- Welfare state expanded from the Beveridge report (1942)
- 5 giants/social evils to tackle: Want (poverty), Disease (illness), Ignorance (lack of education), Squalor (poor housing), Idleness (unemployment)
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How did the Labour Party respond to the challenge of the New Right (Thatcher) in the 1980s?
Divided- some believed should move to moderate, centre position. Others wanted to go more left wing
- Left led by Michael Foot and Tony Benn, believing the right response to Thatcherism was more socialism
- Some left to form the SDP (Social Democratic Party)
- 1983 manifesto known as 'longest suicide note in history'
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What figures are most associated with New Labour?
Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Alistair Campbell, Peter Mandelson, John Prescott
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Where did New Labour come from?
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown wanting to create change in the Labour policies and opposition, become more modern
- 18 years of Labour electoral failure (Conservative rule)
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What is New Labour/Third way?
- Leftist approach to social policy
- Thatcherite/Free Market views to economy
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What are the New Labour Key goals?
- Stop nationalisation
- Maintain legal restrictions on trade unions
- Renounced class based politics
Social justice was their overall, long term goal
139
What are the New Labour/Third Way Key Policies?
Anti Poverty
Economic policy
Welfare Services
Education
Law and Order
Welfare Benefits
Constitutional Reforms
Europe
Defence and Foreign Policy
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What are the New Labour policies on Anti Poverty?
Attack on child poverty
Avoiding redistributing income to create more economic equity (traditional socialist aim)
Wants to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living
Some increases in welfare payments, system of tax credits to subsidise income of poorer families etc
Selective universality- benefits targeted at social groups who are poor through no fault of their own
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What are the New Labour Economic policies?
Capitalism should be allowed to flourish, but state should enforce competition and fair trade
Public sector borrowing is acceptable for investment in public services (new right belief)
Direct taxes kept lower than normal Labour
Resistance to heavy government borrowing
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What are the New Labour policies on the Welfare services?
Preserve high quality public services, involving private sector if it improves quality and efficiency
Divert large increases in public expenditure (financed partly by rewards of economic growth, partly from high taxation)
Attempt to drive up standards, pursued through performance target setting, incentives for success and sanctions for failure
143
What are the New Labour policies in Education?
Critical in other policies (ie poverty reduction, equality of opportunity, law and order (especially youth offending), long term economic prosperity)
Target of creating higher education places for 50% of school leavers by levying extra fees on students
Develop academies- schools set up to replace failing institutions, usually in challenging environments, using external funding from businesses, charities, volunteer organisations etc- more independant than other schools, can tackle issues in their own way
Surestart- provision of preschool education for problem families
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What are the New Labour policies on Law and Order?
'Tough on crime, tough on causes of crime' Blair, 1994
Combination of authoritarian attitudes + tackling social causes of crime
Ie harsh measures on youth offenders (tagging, curfews, anti social behaviour orders, persuasion of judiciary to give out tougher sentences)
Long term tried to have joint policies that were softer, eventually a developed harsher, more authoritarian approach to crime
145
What are the New Labour policies on Welfare Benefits?
Used as an incentive to work and to take responsibility for personal prosperity-> role is NOT to redistribute income
Anti Poverty Programme- poor pensioners, deserving disabled, lone families etc-> raising living standards via tax credits, meaning they receive additional income through the tax system
- Targeted benefits on those who needed them most
- Created incentive for have the ability to work to find low paying jobs
- Designed to permanently take people out of poverty by persuading them to join the work force
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What are the New Labour policies on Constitutional Reform?
Less radical, focusing on decentralisation of Government
Mild Lords reform
Human Rights Act
Devolution
2010- reaffirmed interest for change, proposing Lords + electoral system reform
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What are the New Labour Policies on Europe?
Britain to remain centre of EU, but retain independence
Cautious support for single currency, declined since 1997
Intention to make EU more democratic, sensitive to national interest of each member, more financially responsible
Reform/abolition of CAP (Common Agricultural Policy)
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What are the New Labour policies on Defence and Foreign policy?
Take leading role in world affairs in debt reduction, foreign aid, climate change, introduction of free world trade
Support for US Middle East policy
Ready to intervene in international conflict- ie Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Iraq
British + US interest synonymous
'Ethical foreign policy'- designed to help poor countries and defend human rights
commitment to reduction in world poverty
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To what extent is the current Labour Party committed to their traditional values?
Has similarities to both new and old Labour
- Ie traditional labour values of housing, redistribution of wealth from taxing private schools
- New labour with economic plans
- Overall lack drive to committing to either direction, and are just following what is suited to the current political and economic climate
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What are examples of the current Labour Party's economic policy?
- Deliver economic stability with tough spending rules
- A new partnership with business to boost growth everywhere
- A National Wealth Fund to invest in jobs
- Planning reform to build 1.5 million new homes
- Devolution of power across England
- A New Deal for Working People
- Being pro-business and pro-worker
- Labour will restore stability, increase investment, and reform our economy
new approach to economic management , securonomics, that understands sustainable growth relies on a broad base and resilient foundations
- Labour will use every available lever such ad public investment
- The fund will have a target of attracting three pounds of private investment for every one pound of public investment,
- Will cap corporation tax at the current level of 25 per cent,
- Create a modern transport network
- Take action on late payments to ensure small businesses and the self-employed are paid on time
- Labour will reduce net migration
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To what extent are the current Labour party's economic policies aligned with their traditional values?
leans towards a more old Labour ideology this is due to polices such as Nationalisation, increased economic management and being pro worker being at the forefront of their manifesto. However, there are some aspects of New Labour with a concentration on helping working people and advocating for public investment.
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What are examples of the current Labour Party's Law and Order policy?
* A Border and Security Command replaced the Conservatives' Rwanda Plan. This is tasked with clearing the asylum backlog and investigators are granted more powers to locate people smugglers.
* Reorganisation of the courts system to help clear the backlog and dedicate space to hearings for rape and other serious sexual offences.
* A named police officer for every neighbourhood.
* Making assaulting shop workers a specific offence.
* A ban on ninja swords, zombie-style blades and machetes + interventions for young people caught carrying them.
* Hubs for young people to deter them from crime.
* Specialist teams in every police force to handle rape and sexual offences, and a domestic violence specialist at every 999 call centre.
* James Timpson appointed as Minister for Prisons - former Chair of the Prison Reform Trust
Plan to reduce 68,000 backlog of rape cases
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To what extent are the current Labour party's law and order policies aligned with their traditional values?
Their slogan for Law & Order in the 2024 election was "Take Back Our Streets" - which has a bit of populist rhetoric. They're much stricter on crime (particularly petty crimes such as shoplifting) than Old Labour but equally much less authoritarian than New Labour - much more focus on the causes of crime/prevention of crime, especially for young people.
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What are examples of the current Labour Party's Social policy?
Use private school tax to pay for state school teachers
Build 300,000 homes a year
2030 ban on petrol + diesel car sales
£24bn for green initiatives
40,000 more NHS operations + appointments a week
Work towards a National Care Service- help people live independently
Strengthen consumer rights legislation on reselling tickets
Nationalisation of railways
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To what extent are the current Labour party's social policies aligned with their traditional values?
Committing to traditional values of reinforcing the welfare state, relying on public services, not private owned sectors
Redistributing income- ie from taxation of private schools
Responding to circumstance- more radical change in the direction of Old Labour
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What are examples of the current Labour Party's Foreign policy?
A new Border and Security Command for the UK- Rwanda funds added to existing Home Office funding for immigration enforcement with investigators being given counter-terrorism powers to pursue those involved in smuggling gangs
Absolute commitment to nuclear and NATO
Break from the Corbyn administration who, whilst they did support Trident, claimed they would never use it.
Additionally, the Party's commitment to the military alliance NATO remains unshakeable.
Maintain special relations with the US
Tear down unnecessary barriers to trade
UK-EU security pact- seek new bilateral agreements and work closer with the Joint Expeditionary Force partners
Maintain multilateral institutions
Strategic defence review
Armed Forces Covenant into law and developing an Independent Armed Services Commissioner to improve life in the service
Strong defence sector and resilient supply chains
Military strategy headquarters
157
To what extent are the current Labour party's foreign policies aligned with their traditional values?
New Labour- trying to distinguish from the Corbyn administration- old Labour predecessors
Commitment to re-establishing themselves on the international stage
158
What is Classical Liberalism?
- Liberal party under Gladstone, 2nd half or 19th century
- Central commitment to sound finance, limited government and free market economics
- Ideologically closer to the Conservatives; some called Thatcher a Gladstonian liberal
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What is Social Liberalism?
- Dominant tradition in 20th century
- Belief that the state through economic management and welfare provision, can increase the freedom of the individual
- Came to be seen as centre left, much closer to Labour than the Conservatives
- Paddy Ashdown (1988-99), Charles Kennedy (1999-2006), Menzies Campbell (2006-2007) all in the category
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What is 'Orange Book' Liberalism?
- Orange Book published in 2004,
- Argued for a policy more sympathetic to markets and economic liberalism while being more critical of the state
- Would seek to encourage more local and voluntary provision of welfare
- Nick Clegg contributed to this book, so those who believed this form of Liberalism gained a boost when he became leader
161
When did the Liberal Democrats first emerge?
1877:
Emerged as a coalition between the Whigs and radicals
First leaders were Lord Palmerston and William Gladstone
Was as important as the Conservatives until 1920s
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What happened to the Liberal Democrats' Popularity during the 1920s?
Began to decline in popularity
163
What happened to the Liberal Democrats between 1956-67?
Now eclipsed by the Labour Party
But remained a home for radical political ideas under Jo Grimond
164
What happened in 1981 that kickstarted the reformation of the Liberal Democrats?
SDP formed, began talks with the Liberal Party who were both competing for the same voters
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What happened to the Liberal Democrats during 1983 + 1983 election?
Election: made electoral pact to not put candidates up against one another- known as the 'Alliance'
Plan failed- won fewer than 30 seats combined
Alliance failed again in 1987
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What occurred in 1988 to reform the Liberal Democrats party?
Merged SDP and Liberal Party together to form Liberal Democrats
167
How many seats did the Liberal Democrats win in 2005?
Won 62 seats
168
What happened to the Liberal Democrats in 2010?
No party won overall majority- Lib Dem had choice to join with Labour (rejected by the voters) or Conservatives (opposite side of political spectrum) in coalition, or refuse to participate in government (losing opportunity to influence events first hand
Joined Coalition with Conservatives for 5 years
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What happened to the Liberal Democrats in the 2015 election?
Won only 8 seats
Electorate went against Lib Dems due to broken promises
Many Ex-Labour voters previously hopes a Lib Dem win would mean a Conservative loss
Nick Clegg resigned as leader, replaced by Tim Farron-> party had become a minor party again
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What happened to the Liberal Democrats in 2019?
Increasingly recovering, becoming force in UK politics
Vince Cable as Leader
European Parliament election: 19.6% vote, 16 seats
- Ahead of Labour (10 seats) and Conservatives (4 seats)
- Did well due to strong stance on Brexit
Increased number of MPs by October to 21-> accepting previous Conservative and Labour MPs
2019 GE- reduced to 11 MPs
- Leader Jo Swinson lost her own seat to SNP
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What happened to the Liberal Democrats in the 2024 election?
Won 72 seats- best electoral performance ever
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What are the Core Values of the Liberal Democrats?
Liberty
Social justice
Welfare
Constitutionalism
Social reformers
Liberal Democracy (human rights and support for democracy
Multiculturalism
The environment
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Liberty?
Freedom, privacy, individual rights
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Social Justice?
New/modern Liberal idea
Removal of unjustifiable inequalities in incomes in society, equality of opportunity, removal of all artificial privileges which people might have been born into
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Welfare?
New/modern Liberal idea
People cannot be genuinely free if they are enslaved by poverty, unemployment or sickness, or deprivations of old age-> state welfare sets them free
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Constitutionalism?
Power of government should be firmly controlled, by limiting power of government via strong constitution
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Social reformers?
Support rights of women, disabled, ethnic minorities, LGBT+ community, same sex marriage
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What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Liberal democracy? (human rights and support for democracy)
Supported constitutional reform
179
What is the Liberal Democrats' view on Multiculturalism?
Different cultures and lifestyle should be welcomes and granted special rights, links to liberal's pluralist outlook on society
180
What is the Liberal Democrats' view on the environment?
Modern value- believe human life will be enriched by healthy physical environment and by biodiversity
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How did the Liberal Democrats 'sell out' in coalition with the Conservatives within their coalition?
Increased university fees after promising not to (went against something in their manifesto)
Promoting of welfare but then had lots of Austerity
Lots of protest/riots-> feels like they abandoned their left ideals by allying with the Conservatives
People vote Lib Dem as a tactical vote to keep Conservatives out-> went against that
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How did the Liberal Democrats NOT 'sell out' in coalition with the Conservatives within their coalition?
Felt this was the only way of getting into government + having an impact on policy
Wouldn't be able to get into government on their own
Introduced pupil premium etc
183
What is the current Lib Dem policy on the economy?
More state control
-tackle rising food prices with national food strategy
Get mortgages down
Tax big banks + super tax on big profits
184
How does the Current Lib Dem economic policy link to their core values?
More socially liberal than neoliberal
185
What is the Current Lib Dem policy on Law and Order?
Give vote to 16-17 year olds
Proportional voting system
Reform House of Lords
Legalise cannabis
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How does the current Lib Dem Law and Order policy link to their traditional values?
More liberty + freedom of expression
Suspicions on government power
187
What is the current Lib Dem policy on the EU?
Repair relations with Europe
188
How does the current Lib Dem EU policy link to their traditional values?
Concerned with Human rights and democracy + support multiculturalism
189
What is the current Lib Dem policies on Welfare?
Give everyone right to see GP in 1 week or 24 hours- employ extra 8000 MPs
Guarantee for quicker cancer treatments
Increase carers minimum wage
190
How does the current Lib Dem Welfare policy link to their traditional values?
Keeps people from being enslaved to sickness
Promotes welfare
191
What is the Current Lib Dem Foreign Policy?
Fix relations with Europe- new comprehensive trade agreement, remove lots of trade barriers
Aim to re-join single market in the future
bilateral ceasefire + 2 state solution
Support to Ukraine
Support international institutions like NATO, UN, Commonwealth
192
How does the current Lib Dem Foreign policy link to their traditional values?
Concerned with human rights
193
What is the current Lib Dem Policy on Environment?
Net 0 by 2045
Hold big companies to account- water companies banned from dumping sewage
Plant 60 million trees a year
Clean air act + new Air Quality agency
194
How does the current Lib Dem Environmental policy link to their traditional values?
Concerned with the environment
194
Why does the UK currently not have a 2 party system?
appears to be the case in Westminster, but definitely not the case in the devolved bodies. On closer inspection in Westminster, it’s not a two-party system there either on account of a) REFORM UK’s votes and b) Lib Dem’s influx of new MPs
195
Which parties does the FPTP system benefit?
Can only really be said that FPTP benefits Labour and the Conservatives
- 2017 GE: highest vote share for the two main parties since 1970 – 82.4%.
- 2017 GE – 580/650 seats – 89% of seats available
- Very similar results in 2019
- 2024: Two big parties won 533/650 seats (even though two biggest parties’ vote share fell)
- Argument = FPTP doesn’t allow for anything other than a two-party system
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What is an example of the UK having a 2 party system?
1979-2010: Britain only had one party in government: 18 years of Conservatives, followed by 13 years of Labour – coalition years were a temporary phenomenon.
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What was the 2024 winners bonus?
Winner often receives a winner’s bonus (i.e. gets more seats than their vote share would suggest) – winner’s bonus for Labour this year was a record breaking 29%
198
What is a recent example of Starmer having legislative dominance?
Decisions by Starmer to end Winter Fuel Allowance / loosen planning laws are demonstrative of legislative dominance – not much that other parties can do to change this: only chance of reversal would come from internal party dissent
199
How can you argue Westminster is moving towards a multi party system?
given that 117 MPs outside of the two main parties were elected to parliament. Averaged 9 MPs between 1950-1970.
REFORM UK – 5MPs; Lib Dems – 72 MPs – comfortably makes this the largest ever grouping in the House of Commons. Greens now have 2 MPs.
- This has coincided with the collapse of the Tory Party’s support (24% of the vote in 2024) following 14 years in government. During these 14 years, we also saw moments where they relied on other parties – Cons in 2017-2019 relied on the DUP for key votes; also served in a coalition with the Lib Dems between 2010-2015 showing that they couldn’t govern alone.
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How do smaller parties influence a majority government?
Tory divides over immigration in 2024 showed clearly the influence that Reform was having on the Conservatives.
- Two Party System = not the best description of Westminster now.
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What are examples of the Devolved bodies having a multi party system
- 25 Mayors elected in England – only one is not Lab or Con (May 2024)
- Poss. Explained by the electoral system – used to be the Supplementary Vote, but is now FPTP (after 2022).
- Picture in other places is far more complex – hybrid system (AMS) in Scotland and Wales has allowed for genuine multi-party politics to emerge.
- SNP – governs alone in Scotland, and before that in coalition with the Greens
- Labour / Cons haven’t come close majority administrations
- NI – has its own parties e.g., Sinn Fein and the DUP
- This can be explained by the different electoral systems and different political cultures in these devolved bodies – prevents two party dominance.
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How can the UK still have a 2 party system in terms of policy making?
- Arguably, the two parties still play a major role in shaping policy and thus we still have a two party system.
- Internal party divided forces the Con Party to accept EU Ref (as an example)
- Policy which dominated discussion in 2024 – Conservative plans for National Service and Labour’s plans to tax private school fees. Structures of the Westminster Parliament give others a big advantage over policy agenda. Only the official opposition have a decent number of opposition days where they can influence the agenda at Westminster.
- SNP walkout over Gaza Ceasefire in Feb’ 2024 is another good example
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How is there a multi party influence in the UK on policy making?
- Lib Dems shone the spotlight on river pollution in 2024 / issues with support for carers
- UKIP 2015: pushed the Cons into a ref on EU membership in 2016 and ultimately also a hard Brexit in 2019
- Reform UK’s threat also pushed the Conservative Party to the right on immigration (think stop the boats/Rwanda scheme).
- Presence of the Green Party has arguably pushed the main parties into accepting a decarbonised economy – 20 MPH speed limits / ULEZ in London supported by Labour may have come from wanting to stem electoral threat from the left.
204
What type of party system does the UK have?
- No two party system in spite of FPTP seeking to perpetuate one
- 2024 election: ushering in a time of multi-party politics
- Different electoral systems in devolved bodies show us what this might look like
Policy influence – central shift of Labour has opened up space on the left and the rightward drift of Conservatives is a response to UKIP/Reform etc.
205
Why do small parties fail?
They lack funding
The electoral system may discriminate against them
They lack media exposure
They lack organisation in communities
People consider voting for them a wasted vote
206
How can small parties succeed?
May find wealthy benefactors to support them, as occurred with UKIP after 2010
In developed regions, proportional representation helps small parties
If a party can develop concentrated geographical support, it can break through in a region, such as the SNP
Strong, charismatic leader may help to gain public support,
- Caroline Lucas for the Greens
Nigel Farage for UKIP, Brexit Party and Reform
May gain widespread popular support with populist ideas, ie UKIP, Reform
Can build good community teams and successfully compete in local government elections which them helps them in subsequent general elections
In Proportional systems, fewer votes are wasted
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Why is leadership important in terms of party success?
voters respond to individual qualities of the leader, and who (out of the 2 main parties) is a potential PM
Impressions of leaders in the media or in the polls has an impact on party popularity
208
What qualities to voters look for in a party leader?
- Experience
- Decisiveness
- Ability to lead
- Media image
- Intelligence
Apparent honesty
209
Examples of party leaders that had a positive and negative impact on their party success?
Leaders that were damaging= Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg
Leaders that helped the party= Margret Thatcher, Tony Blair (until falls from grace)
210
How has leadership influenced smaller parties?
- Nicola Sturgeon made big impression on TV debates (SNP leader)
- Nigel Farage, UKIP and reform (2024, also on Tiktok + I'm a Celeb)
Ed Davey- 72 seats, most successful election win for Lib Dems
211
What are examples of how unity had an impact on party success?
- 1980s: Conservative party united around leadership of Margret Thatcher whilst Labour was split between left and right wings. Labour split in 1981, helped huge victories for Tories in 1983 and 1987 election
- 1997: Labour was basically united party around New Labour under Blair. Conservatives under John Major had lots of internal divisions, mainly over UK position in Europe, led to landslide victory for Labour
- 2019: suspended moderate Conservatives out of the party + required all candidates to sign a pledge back o getting Brexit done. Conservative party was unified around Brexit, Labour party divided over Brexit, antisemitism, radical nature of manifesto
2024: Right is split between Reform and Conservatives, leading to large win by Labou
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Does unity help party success, is it more important than leadership?
United parties will have a huge advantage over disunited parties
Even if the Leader is convincing, they can not be a convincing and confident leader without being able to organise and lead their own MPs and party
213
What impact does media have on party success?
- Use of tiktok and social media during the election ie Farage on Tiktok
Electorate is usually influenced by the image of a party in the media, rather than their true policies, ie newspapers, which tend to line up predictably at election time
214
What is the general impact of newspapers on voter opinions?
- Research suggests newspapers only reinforce political affiliations and don't change minds, but probability remains that their campaigns may persuade voters to support the party their newspaper supports +can swap wavering votes
Usually correlation between political views of readership of a newspaper and political stance of paper, but maybe because readers tend to buy newspapers whose views they agree with
215
What is an example of media not having as big of an impact as it could've on election?
○ 2017 GE: majority newspapers backed Conservatives, mainly due owners backing Conservative policies. But Conservatives lost majority in Commons + Labour resurgence
216
How has TV and Radio impacted party success?
- TV and Radio broadcasters have to be unbiased and neutral by law (ie BBC and ITV)
- TV still gives exposure to party leaders + TV debates have impact on party fortune
○ Nick Clegg performance in TV debates was widely praised-> helped to gain 2015 coalition with Conservatives
○ Ed Miliband performed poorly, factor in Labour's failure to win the election
2017: Theresa May's refusal to participate in TV debates + Jeremy Corbyn good performance helped shift media perception of the leaders
217
How does social media have an impact on party success?
- Growth in social media-> use of X and other platforms to help parties promote themselves and critics to attack politicians they oppose
- Allows public and politicians to directly talk to one another
- Hard to control and effects and importance are hard to quantify
Social media can be used to target voters in intrusive and forceful ways
218
How is media influential on party success?
- media is prism which public perceptions of parties are created
- Winning party usually has support of most print newspapers
- Since 2010, leadership debated have become key moments in GE campaigns
- Parties are increasingly developing resources to use social media to influence voters as well as utilising social media to collect data and target voters in increasingly sophisticated ways
- Leaders spend time cultivating positive media images
219
How is media not influential to party success?
- influential media tends to reflect, rather than lead, attitudes to parties
- Despite nearly all print newspapers opposing him, Jeremy Corbyn performed well in 2017 GE
- There is little evidence to suggest that leadership debates have affected public perception or changed minds
- Social media tends to act as an echo chamber and rarely changes opinions or attitudes towards parties
Other factors, like leadership and policies, may be more influential
220
What are Positive aspects of parties in UK's representative democracy?
- Provide open opportunities for people to become active in politics, inclusive + make a few demands on members
- Make political issues coherent and help make government accountable
- Help to make elections and operation of Parliament effective and understandable to the public
Identify, recruit and train people for political office and leadership
221
What are Negative aspects of parties in UK's representative democracy?
- Adversarial party politics is negative, it denies the creation of consensus and reduced issues to false, simplistic choices
- Parties claim legitimacy through their electoral mandate even when they are elected to power with a minority of the popular vote
- Parties can become elitist so small leadership groups dominate policy making to the detriment of internal democracy
Limit the pool of talent for political membership to members only
