political parties p 12-22

Question 1

5 functions of political parties

Answer 1

• representation - represent views
• participation - allows ppl to express views and vote
• elections - offer choices for the electorate
• government - run the country
• education - educate the public

Question 2

left wing

Answer 2

• make society more equal
• favour the group solution above the individual
• support state intervention and collectivism
• usually associated with welfare and wealth distribution

Question 3

right wing

Answer 3

• support low taxes
• limited walfare
• free market economies

Question 4

how do political parties enhance democracy

Answer 4

• encourage participation
• give voters choices
• educate and inform

Question 5

how do political parties threaten democracy

Answer 5

• turn out it low - low loyalty
• women and ethnic minorities tend to be under represented

Question 6

for and against if parties should receive state funding

Answer 6

for
- stops wealthy groups influencing parties through large donations - everyone gets the same amount
- parties can focus on representing the electorate instead of fundraising
- smaller parties and less wealthy parties are not at a disadvantage
against
- taxpayers shouldn’t be funding political parties
- there would be disagreement over how much and who gets what

Question 7

background info on funding of political parties

Answer 7

• political parties have to fund their own activities and therefore there is a membership fee.
• parties can also be given donations but only from a ‘permissible source’