Political Parties Flashcards
What is a political party?
Organized group seeking governmental power.
What is party ideology?
Set of core political beliefs of a party.
What is party discipline?
Obligation to support party policies.
What is a manifesto?
Party’s proposed policies for election.
What is the political spectrum?
Range of political beliefs (left to right).
What is left-wing ideology?
Support for equality, welfare, and social change.
What is right-wing ideology?
Support for tradition, hierarchy, and capitalism.
What is a centre-right party?
Moderate conservative, limited government intervention.
What is a centre-left party?
Moderate liberal, welfare-state support.
What is party leadership?
Head of a political party, sets direction.
What is a faction?
Internal group within a party with differing views.
What is a constituency?
Geographical area represented by an elected MP.
What is party membership?
Formal affiliation with a political party.
What is a party conference?
Event for policy discussion, candidate selection.
What is a coalition government?
Government formed by two or more parties.
What is party funding?
Financial support from members, donors, or the state.
What is a grassroots movement?
Political action initiated by ordinary people.
What is a patronage system?
Appointments based on party loyalty, not merit.
What is party realignment?
Significant shift in party positions or voter support.
What is a political programme?
Set of policies and priorities a party promotes.
What is a one-party system?
Political system dominated by a single party.
What is a multi-party system?
Political system with multiple competitive parties.
What is the role of political parties?
Form government, represent interests, influence policy.
What is a dominant party system?
One party dominates, others have limited power.
What is a party whip?
Official ensuring party members vote as instructed.
What is a political machine?
A party organization that controls elections.
What is party polarization?
Growing ideological differences between political parties.
What is a national party?
A party operating across the entire nation.
What is a regional party?
A party focused on local or regional issues.
What is a catch-all party?
A party that appeals to a broad spectrum.
What is the role of party leaders?
Set party direction, campaign, influence policy.
What is party unity?
Agreement and cooperation within the party.
What is a shadow cabinet?
Group of opposition MPs shadowing government ministers.
What is party system stability?
Consistency in party competition and governance.
What is an electoral mandate?
Authority given by voters to implement policies.
CASE STUDY: Ecclestone affair
Blair bans tobacco advertisement, Ecclestone donates £1m to Labour 1997, ban is overturned
