Politics: 2.1 Political Parties Functions and Features Flashcards

1
Q

What historical interests did the Labour and Conservative parties represent?

A

Labour historically represented working class interests, while the Conservatives represented the interests of the landed gentry and aristocracy.

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2
Q

What factors have undermined the primary role of political parties?

A

Partisan and class dealignment, as well as the emergence of ‘catch-all’ parties.

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3
Q

Are political parties beneficial for democracy?

A

It is debated whether it is better for democracy that parties aim for broader appeal rather than solely representing the views of their membership.

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4
Q

How do parties contribute to citizen education and political engagement?

A

Parties inform citizens of key issues and encourage political engagement through campaigning during elections.

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5
Q

What influences participation within political parties?

A

Participation by membership depends on the internal democratic structures of each party.

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6
Q

What role do parties play in candidate selection?

A

Parties select candidates at all levels and provide political training to those deemed suitable for the job.

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7
Q

How do parties create leaders?

A

Parties create leaders who govern the country, as ordinary voters vote for their preferred party rather than directly for a Prime Minister.

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8
Q

What is the significance of policy formulation within parties?

A

Parties discuss and develop policy proposals, presenting them in a coherent programme (the manifesto) to the electorate.

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9
Q

What happens to policy when a party is in government?

A

The policy formed by the party becomes the mechanism for making laws and decisions.

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10
Q

What is the role of parties in opposition?

A

In opposition, parties critique the government and propose alternative policies, allowing general membership to take a more active role.

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11
Q

What is ‘aggregation’ in the context of political parties?

A

Aggregation is the process of converting policies, demands, and ideas into practical policy programmes for government.

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12
Q

What would the House of Commons look like without parties?

A

Without parties, it would be a gathering of individuals driven by personal goals and ambitions.

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13
Q

How do parties provide order and cohesion in government?

A

Parties present voters with a clear choice before an election and allow a single party or coalition to form a government.

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14
Q

What is a hidden function of political parties?

A

A hidden function is their support for the UK system of parliamentary democracy.

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15
Q

What happens if a party fundamentally challenges the political system?

A

It creates political conflict within society, as seen with parties like Sinn Fein in Westminster.

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16
Q

What is a political party?

A

A political party is a group of like-minded individuals who seek to realise their shared goals by fielding candidates at elections and thereby securing election to public office.

17
Q

What is the main aim of most mainstream UK parties?

A

Most mainstream UK parties ultimately aim to emerge victorious at a general election.

18
Q

How do political parties differ from pressure groups?

A

Political parties contest elections to secure control of governmental power, while pressure groups generally have little interest in being elected to office.

19
Q

What is a mandate?

A

The right of the governing party to pursue the policies it sets out in its general election manifesto.

20
Q

What is a manifesto?

A

A pre-election policy document in which a party sets out a series of policy pledges and legislative proposals that it plans to enact if returned to office.

21
Q

What is the Salisbury Doctrine?

A

The convention that the House of Lords does not block or try to wreck legislation that was promised in the manifesto of the governing party.

22
Q

How does the Salisbury Doctrine relate to electoral mandates?

A

The Salisbury Doctrine holds that the unelected House of Lords should not oppose any bill included in the governing party’s manifesto at the time of the general election.

23
Q

What was a significant example of the electoral mandate in practice?

A

The Labour Party’s promise to remove the rights of hereditary peers in its 1997 general election manifesto, which was fulfilled through the House of Lords Act 1999.

24
Q

What roles do political parties perform in the UK?

A

Political parties perform five main roles: providing representation, encouraging political engagement and participation, engaging in political recruitment, formulating policy, and providing stable government.

25
Q

How do parties encourage political engagement?

A

By making the wider citizenry aware of the issues of the day and promoting participation in the democratic process.

26
Q

What is the difference between political parties and pressure groups?

A

Political parties offer a broad portfolio of policies and contest elections, while pressure groups pursue narrower causes and may field candidates primarily to raise their profile.