political parties Flashcards
general electeions maintain the two party system often in large clear majorities evidenece
2019 - 80 seat majority
2024 -174 seat majority
general electeions maintain the two party system often in large clear majorities analysis
under fptp , limited voter choice minor parties with dispersed vote share fail to gain substantial seat share to ever form a government in westminster
minor parties have had increasing success in regional and local elections evidence
reform won 2 seats in havant borough council
holyrood is snp- green coalition 2022 under AMS
minor parties have had increasing success in regional and local elections analysis
minor parties are clearly making connections with the electorate and gaining power outside of westminster , especially under electoral systems which are more proportional
Organisation in government positive evidence
Johnson 80 seat majority , starter 174 seat majority , Blair didn’t loose a vote between 1997-2004
Organisation of government positive analysis
Fptp mostly lead to single majority governments which are unified by a set of ideals . Government controls legislative agenda and vast majority of bills are passed due to mandate they gain from electorate
Organisation of government negative evidence
New conservatives , ERG , conservative reform group have moved the party to the right whereas one nation us against euroskeptics . 2010 coalition and 2017 minority
Organisation of government negative analysis
Increasing fragmentation with deeply divided factions in gov especially in coalitions and minorities .a majority achieved can be questioned when ability to organise is effected by disunity
Participation positive evidence
Reform uk 2025 - 200,000, Green Party from 5,000(2002) to 55,000(2024) and 83%turnout in 2022 con leadership
Participation positive analysis
Party membership energises and mobiliaizss by educating voters and advancing political will . Opputumity to identify with similar ideas such as green parties climate agenda
Participation negative evidence
Major parties membership decline - conservatives 2.8 millions (1950s) to 120,000(2024) aswell as low turnout 2024 59.8%
Participation negative analysis
Suggests an increase in apathy and partisan dealisgment - voting patterns less predictable and limits parties impact on democracy . Less legitimacy for parties with weak mandate but evolving nature of participation
Representation evidence positive
Assisted dying bill due to citizen jury and pressure group (dignity in dying) aswell as physical representation 10% ethnic minority in commons
Representation positive analysis
Producing policies that respond to public demands increasing democracy as they have a mandate from the people . Represent groups increases democracy as makes policy more legitimate and making sure policy is fair for all
Representation negative evidence
National trust 2022 - 2.8 million members , centre shift 2001 new labour 2010 vote blue get green
Representation negative analysis
Catch all means parties have less of an ability to represent specific groups , these groups feel less represented . Pressure groups have undertaken this function
State funding would reduce party dependence of vested interest evidence
Lord Ali given Downing Street pass after donating 32k worth of clothing to starmer,Bernie ecclestone donated to labour and f1 were given expemption from advertising Tabaco law
State funding would reduce party dependence of vested interest analysis
Parties would have less incentive to skew policy to wealthy aswell as not giving the unfair privileges in the political realm , levelling the plain field and giving greater legitimacy to parties actions
State funding could make parties complacent and weaken societal links evidence
Parties have to be responsive to issues , Green Party strong environmental stance has invcreased membership to 55,000
State funding could make parties complacent and weaken societal links analysis
Grassroots parties who lack short money are seen to engage with the electorate more through membership and policy making them more responsive making them increasingly accountable
State funding could be done democratically , using election support evidence
Short money reflects elections want - 22,300 for every seat to cover travel expenses and 44 for every 200 votes
State funding could be done democratically , using election analysis
Framework is set so could easily be extended, every party would be incentivised to get votes not just seats under fptp . Cutting short money wouldn’t impact deficit by much
State funding has a lack of public support evidence
Public trust in commons has declined since 2009 expenses scandal ,seats are disproportional such as labour 2024-34% vote , 63% seats
State funding has a lack of public support analysis
2008 crisis and further austerity since questions what cuts should be made , public care less about gov being payed than nhs as such . Fptp shows to favour major parties seat wise
