political parties Flashcards
what is a political party
A political party is an organisation that develops a set of political goals and policies, which it seeks to convert into political action by obtaining government office. It pursues its goals by mobilising public opinion in its favour, selecting candidates for office, competing at local elections and identifying suitable political leaders.
what are the functions/roles of political parties
representation participation recruiting office holders formulating policy providing government
how are MPs payed
MP’s are paid from general taxation - their annual salary is 76000 as of April 2017
how are parties funded
Businesses Donors Party membership fees Sponsorships Citizen contributions Wills Social events Investors Unions
it is argued that we should use state funding for greater transparency what are the arguments for and against this
FOR Easy regulation and stops corrupt politicians Important in democracy Encourages participation in politics AGAINST Wasted money for welfare Forces people to support a party Hard to decide who qualifies Reduces parties independence
describe traditional conservative ideologies
Pragmatism Tradition and preservation Organic society Order Individualism Empiricism Property
describe one nation conservatism
a paternalistic approach adopted by conservatives stressing the idea that the rich have an obligation to help the poor.
How did Thatcher change the Conservative party
After Thatcher left the party the conservatives struggled to form an identity separate from her
John Major, although similar to Thatcher, was not as confrontational as her
They suffered a devastating defeat in the 1997 election mainly due to fighting amid the party
The conservatives failed to appeal to a growing diverse society
what do conservatives stand for now
Reducing the deficit; Cutting income tax; Creating jobs; Capping welfare and immigration; Delivering the best schools and skills for young people by building 100 new schools
what is socialism
favours nationalism of public services, large state intervention and greater equality
what is traditional labour
wanted more working class MPs committed to common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange 1945 = nationalisation, NHS
how has the labour party changed circa Blair
New labour
changing of clause 4
wanted a third way between socialism and capitalism
emphasis on wealth creation, not distribution
enlisting public sector to deliver public services
influence of liberal ideology on labour thinking
outline labour under Gordon brown and ed milliband
BROWN
invested in banking system to boost economy
nationalised most vulnerable banks to boost confidence
maintain public spending
MILIBAND
restoration of 50p top rate for income tax
increase NHS spending
moved party more slightly to the left
how have the lib dems changed over time
classical liberals believed in gradual change with minimal intervention
modern liberals agree on more extensive state intervention
what do the lib dems stand for today
second eu referendum
end 1% public sector pay cap
invest 7 billion in education
nationalise southern rail
