2.4 Political Parties In Context Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is meant by a “political duopoly” in the UK context?
A political duopoly means that two parties—Labour and the Conservatives—dominate the political system. This was the case for most of the 20th century in the UK. Class-based voting patterns reinforced this: the working class largely voted Labour, while middle and upper classes backed the Conservatives.
Why has it historically been difficult for smaller parties to succeed in UK elections?
What factors contributed to Liberal Democrat growth and setbacks?
The Lib Dems gained momentum in 2005 under Charles Kennedy and surged again in 2010 when Nick Clegg’s strong TV debate performance boosted popularity. This led to the 2010 coalition with the Conservatives. However, joining that government hurt their image. In 2015, their seat count collapsed from 62 to just 8 due to voter backlash.
How did the SNP rise to national importance?
The SNP became a dominant force in Scotland, especially after the 2014 independence referendum. In the 2015 general election, they won 56 of Scotland’s 59 seats due to concentrated regional support, showing how regional parties can succeed under FPTP where national ones struggle.
