The Main Political Parties

Question 1

What are the similarities between the UK and US parties?

Answer 1

• The US political spectrum is much further to the right
• most British tories would not agree with the Republican stance on gun control, abortion, healthcare etc
  more closely aligned on economic policy
• similarly, the democrats do not politically align with the Labour Party

Question 2

the differences in the US. parties over social and economic policies

Answer 2

social
- the Dems are more likely to be liber when it comes to issues such as LGBTQQ Rights, abortion rights etc
- Republicans are more likely to support more traditional values

Ecocomic
- both parties agree on capitalism and the free market
- dems prefer to take a more interventionist approach to protect hose in the lower economy class
- republicans prefer a higher laise faire approach

Question 3

How do the parties differ on Social Welfare

Answer 3

• favour government provisions, higher levels of funding and funding for social programmes
• republicans prefer to restrict the above in favour of promoting personal. responsibility
• Paul Ryan (REP) proposed 27bln dollar cut to food stamps

Question 4

What are the different types of party factions in the Republican Party

Answer 4

• social conservatives, mostly associated with the protestant evangelical right, against immigration, oppose LGBT rights and abortion

Fiscal conservatives, drive the comic agenda, freedom causes has replaced the tea party and has a no compromise attitude

moderates, can be liberal on social issue , usually support the parties economic agenda

Question 5

Why are American interest groups so powerful

Answer 5

-size and diversity of the USA

• more access points, federal gov, state go, city got etc
• sense of defined party policy all pressure groups to specialise in key areas
• massive funding
• partisan nature of US politics on hot-button issues allows for Pressure groups to have influence
• unlimited access to the media

Question 6

What are the 3 different types of interest groups

Answer 6

• • policy groups, attempt to influence government or public policy, For example American Isreal Public affairs committee
• • professional groups, represent economic interests of their members, for example American Medical Association
• Single interest groups, advocate policy around a single issue or example National Rifle Aswsossiation

Question 7

what are the factor affecting interest groups

Answer 7

• an active membership, particularly important in wing constituacies ere lobbying members and contacting voters can have a real impact
• money, especially money donated to political campaigns
• contacts, professional lobbyists who developing policy networks
• experts, legal experts that can advise politicians and also members on how to litigate their cause

Question 8

how do interest groups enhance democracy

Answer 8

AFL-CIO 2016 Election Influence:
- Utilised 2000 volunteers.
- Contacted 6 million voters in swing states.
- Conveyed an anti-Trump message.
- Checks on Government:

ACLU:
- Safeguards civil liberties.
- Promotes liberal democracy.

NAACP:
- Leads in civil rights advocacy.

NRA:
Protects gun rights.
Campaigns against Obama’s gun laws.
Representation Role:
Protects interests of smaller, marginalized groups.
Gives voice to those struggling in a two-party majoritarian system.

Question 9

how do interest groups restrict democracy

Answer 9

Violent actions, like NAACP occupying offices, hinder democracy. Un-elected groups, like AARP, opposing policies may undermine democracy and represent minority interests over majority concerns.

Question 10

What is the electoral college

Answer 10

• an electoral system where each state has a specific number of votes, the recipient of the majority of votes typically receives the cotes in the electoral college

Question 11

what are the advantages of the electoral college

Answer 11

• respects the tradition of federalism
• • emphasises the importance of smaller states that get can get more representation
• enhanci9ng legitimacy - produces a clear winner, one candidate always Winns, thereby producing a majority
• protects low turnout areas

Question 12

what are the disadvantages of the electoral college

Answer 12

• the loser can win, as what happened with Bush Jr, in, and Trump in 2016 Hilary Clinton won nearly 3 million more votes but these votes were won in areas which she had already picked up the vote
• overrepresentation of small states, restricts the democratic principle of political equality
• swing states are overrepresented, leads to candidates spending millions in campaigning in places such as Chicago