The political spectrum and the nature of politics Flashcards
what’s a political spectrum?
a device by which different standpoints can be mapped across one axis or more as a way of demonstrating their ideological position in relation to one another.
where did the simple left-right political spectrum originate?
it emerged in revolutionary France at the end of the 18th century.
views of those on the extreme left of the political system
favour some form of communal existence, with all property being held collectively as opposed to individually
what are the views of moderate left-wingers?
they accept capitalism but favour greater government intervention in the economy and a more comprehensive welfare state
what are the views of those on the right of the political spectrum?
they favour private enterprise over sate provision, resulting in a process that the former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher described as ‘rolling back the frontiers of the state’
the left-right political spectrum
left->communism-socialism-liberalism-conservatism-fascism<-right
what are the main groups of debate in the UK
The direction of government has generally centred on the battle between socialists and conservatives. All three of the main British parties are better seen as ‘broad churches’ (different factions) each compromising members of various different political shades.
explain right wing
the political beliefs derive from liberal and conservative ideology. These include a liberal focus on the importance of 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 and strong defence.
explain 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 wing is also socially progressive and favours an internationalist approach to global problems.
left wing political ideas
-positive view of the state and a collective view of society
-government should reduce inequality snd encourage social cohesion by providing an extensive welfare state
-redistributive taxation. government should play a major role in economy by nationalising key industries
-close relations with the trade union movement
-embraces multiculturalism. Socially libertarian and supports giving alternative lifestyles equal status with more traditional ones.
what is ‘left right’ politics being replaced with?
there’s a debate regarding whether its being replaced by ‘pick-and-mix’ politics. The old left-right dichotomy might be dead. Political parties are becoming more internally divided with a wide variation of political views in one party. Parties do not always devise policies reflecting their ideology but are often more pragmatic.
right wing political views
-importance of giving the individual as much control over their own life as possible
-believes that the free market operates best when there is as little government interference as possible
-keep taxation low as possible and limit trade union influence to encourage smooth operation of the market.
-nationalised firms are best privatised
-economically libertarian and socially conservative so it emphasises the importance of a shared national identity and encourages traditional lifestyles
what’s a consensus?
where there is very little ideological differences between the parties and a great deal of agreement between them. They may disagree on the details of policy but there is a general agreement over the main goals of a policy. consensus=agreement
what is an adversary?
where there is considerable conflict and disagreement between the parties on fundamental matters. (there could be divisions within the parties too. internally opposed) e.g. Brexit. 52% voted to leave. 48% wanted to remain. Cameron resigned the next day as he expected to remain.
how the 1940s Labour Government under Clement Attlee undertake a major reform?
the welfare state was created, including the NHS. Major industries such as coal, rail and steel were nationalised, a comprehensive system of old-age pensions was initiated, the provision of subsidised housing was expanded and a wide range of new local authority services was introduced.
what did the Conservative party decide to do about the new reforms when in came to power in 1951?
They decided that it should accept the Labour reforms and build on them. This heralded in a period of consensus which was to last until the 1970s (commonly referred to as the post war consensus)> They decided that the new world created after the war should remain.
What did the two main parties agree on after the war?
they agreed that the days of the British imperial power were numbered and there should be an ordered dismantling of the empire. It is often described as ‘Butskellism’ after the Labour leader Gaitskell and the Conservative chancellor of the exchequer, R.A Butler, who’s political stances were very similar
explain the 1997-2015 period
often described as the post-Thatcher consensus. Tony Blair and his leadership became so dominant after 1997 that the conservatives and Liberal Democrats had to accept that the core values of new labour were extremely popular.
what were the general agreements about political issues during 1997-2015?
-maintenance of a strong, well funded welfare state
-constitutional reforms to make the UK more democratic and less centralised.
-improved protection for human rights and social equality among different groups
-reduction of poverty
-public investment in services and infrastructure to promote economic growth and to generate public funds for such measures
-stress on improved education to promote equality of opportunity
-promotion of individualism by encouraging home ownership and keeping personal taxes as low as possible
what supports that the post-Thatcher consensus is alive and well
similar aspirations were shared through the 2010-15 coalition government. PM David Cameron admitted that Tony Blair was a role model for him. Teresa May, coming to power in 2016 declared her own personal manifesto which echoed that of New Labour back in 1997.
when was the one significant time of adversary politics?
it occurred in the 1980s under Margaret Thatchers premiership moving to a position of ‘new right’ politics. The Labour Party under the leadership of Micheal Foot moved to the left. Political conflict became deep and intense.
in the 1970s what were some new right conservative policies?
-publicly owned businesses were privatised by being sold to private investors. These included gas, coal, electricity, steel, water and telecommunications
-a number of legal restrictions were placed on the activities of trade unions
-tenants in council homes were encouraged to buy properties at discounted prices and on low mortgage rates. Became a legal right.
-legal regulations on the financial system were removed
-rates of income tax for high-income groups and tax on businesses were significantly reduced.
in the 1970s what were some left wing labour policies
-labour opposed the privatisation of businesses and sought to nationalise more industries including, possibly the banks
-opposed restrictions made on trade unions and proposed additional worker protection measures
-labour opposed the ‘right to buy’ policy and proposed increased local authority house building and controls on private rents
-labour proposed a steeply progressive tax system to redistribute real income from rich to poor. Wealth tax also proposed.
how did a new era of adversary politics start from 2015
Jeremy Corbyn was elected as leader of the Labour Party. Deep divisions emerged within the Labour Party itself and between labour and the Conservatives. The election of Kier Starmer in 2020 during a global pandemic heralded a period of consensus politics in the name of national unity during a lockdown.
