Third parties Flashcards
How many parties system does the uk have
2
What can proportional representation create?
Often produces weak governments
What are third parties comparable to and why?
Interest groups
Third parties seek to change/influence the political process
What do small parties do to attract votes?
Target a small area of the electorate
Where do thrid parties fail
They are consodereed to have a national goal but tend to limit themselves when campaigning
Why might they limit themselves
- To provide a viable alternative to disaffected voters
- To provide an outlet for protest voters (temporary or long-term)
- To draw attention to a specific policy issue/perspective
- To attempt to force a ‘mainstream’ actor to embrace their view
- To demonstrate the electoral viability/demand for their issue
What are thir paries formed and informed by
Single issue parties and broarder political idelogy/characteristic and single issue independents
What do lots of third parties fall short
Small scale and heavily reliant on small teams and therefore makes national campaigns difficult
What is the biggest problem for 3rd parties and why
Funding, lack of donors compared to mainstream parties, some parties can use alternative sources but usually this is not viable long term
What is the 2nd biggest problem
Mainstream attention eg media
What can you tell me about the Social democratic party
After the SDP and Liberals merged in 1988, not all members agreed, and a continuity of SDP was created. Lost momentum and disbanded shortly after and another continuity SDP emerged. Lack of influence on politics for both mainstream parties and in elections. (won a by election in 1989).
What can you tell me about Change UK
Known as the independent group for change, founded after Labour MPs opposed Corybn’s leadership defect. Highlighted broader problems within the ‘mainstream’ parties no long-term momentum. Failed to find political space.
What can you tell me about British national party
Voters recognised they were sick of the mainstream parties and BNP took advantage. Other parties will do what they did more effectively.
What can you tell me about the green party
politics based on environmentalism, attracting younger voters is noticed by the mainstream parties. Maintained a persistent political presence and forced other parties to change policy. Struggle under FPTP.
What can you tell me about Ukip
Working-class Eurosceptic party, Farage became leader in 2006. Recognising BNP populism and right-wing nationalism. Members characterised as older, white, uneducated, working-class men. Fearful threat David Cameron promised at Eu referendum. Forced Labour to recognise its own disaffected ‘left behind’ areas and voters. ‘Single’ issue party and after it was achieved the vote quickly collapsed.
What can you tell me about reform
despite lack of electoral success, remain a constant threat to mainstream parties (particularly the Tories). Forcing Tories to move to the right, have risked splitting Labour more than once. Evolved beyond single issue party, incubator for right-wing populism succeeding where BNP/UKIP failed.
