Politics parties Flashcards
Key Term:
What does a party system mean
A party system refers to the way that political parties are organised and compete in a particular country.
There are several party system models ranging from one party dominance, two party system, two-and-a-half party system and a multi-party sharing of influence.
Key Term:
What does one party system mean
One party dominance is where a single political party wins elections consistently and holds power over an extended period.
This party often controls the government with little to no effective competition from other parties
Key Term:
What does a two party system mean and give an example
A two party system (duopoly) means that power is shared between the two leading political parties
e.g. In the UK, the main two parties are Labour and Conservatives with each year its always one or the other who gets into power
Key Term:
What does two-and-a-half party system mean and give an example
A two-and-a-half- party system means that a third smaller party can hold the balance of power between the two more dominant
e.g. Liberal Democrats - Conservative and Labour are the main two parties however sometimes Liberal Democrats challenge this e.g. 2010 coalition with Conservatives
Key Term:
What does a multi-party system mean and give an example
A multi-party system is where several political parties have the capacity to gain control of government office separately or in coalition
e.g. Ireland (Fine Gael, Fianna, Sinn Fein)
Key Term:
What does right wing mean and give examples
Right wing political beliefs come from the liberal and conservative ideology
These include the focus on the limiting excessive government, keeping taxation low and protecting individual liberty.
The right also emphasises conservative values such as law and order and the importance of national sovereignty (independence) and strong defence.
e.g. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Reform
Key Term:
What does left wing mean and give an example
The left wing emphasises the importance of creating a fair and equal society through positive state intervention.
This includes higher taxes on the wealthier, extensive welfare provision and greater state influence in the economy.
The left is also socially progressive and favours internationalist approach (global view) to solving global problems
e.g. Labour and Green Party
Key Term:
What does mandate mean
if a political party wins a general election, it can claim the legitimate right or mandate from the electorate to try to implement their manifesto promises
Key Term:
What does one-nation mean
According to one-nation principles, the Conservative Party should protect and advance the interests of the whole nation.
One nation is conservatism is more inclusive and progressive than traditional conservatism
Key Term:
What does the New Right mean and give an example
New Right conservatism is rooted in classical liberalism because it seeks to reduce the influence of government in the economy and over people’s lives.
It also comes from traditional conservatism because of its emphasis on the importance of achieving security through law and order and strong defence.
e.g. Reform.
Key Term:
What does Old Labour mean
Old Labour is associated with left wing principles of positive intervention to create a more equal society through higher taxes on the wealthy, nationalisation of public services and generous welfare provision
Key Term:
What does New Labour mean
New Labour combines a left wing commitment to social justice with a right wing emphasis on the value of free markets in encouraging economic prosperity
Key Term:
What are civil liberties
Civil liberties are a range of rights and freedoms that demand non-interference by government.
Key Term:
What is a free-market
A free market is a system of buying and selling goods and services that is not under the control of the government
Key Term:
What does limited government
government whose power is limited by the restrictions set by the constitution
