EXTRA-British third and minor parties Flashcards
What is an example of a minor party who only gains a small proportion of popular support, almost never gaining representation in the legislature?
the British National Party
What are the 4 roles of third and minor parties?
1) They take up particular issues neglected by other parties
2) They air grievances not taken up by traditional parties
3) They can act as a haven for protest voters
4) At times they may affect the outcome of elections
What is an example of a third or minor parties performing the role of taking up causes neglected by other parties?
the Pro life Alliance in Britain in the 1997 and 2001 elections
Who are two examples of a third party which air grievances not taken up by traditional parties?
the SNP and Plaid Cymru
How do parties such as the Liberals act as a haven for protest voters?
As they act as a spur to traditional parties, saving them from apathy and indifference
In what 2 circumstances have third parties affected the outcome of elections?
1) in the 1970’s the Liberals in the maintained the Callaghan administration having agreed to a Lib-Lab pact
2) the 2010 coalition between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats
What was the introduction of the welfare state a development of?
New Liberal ideas
Who were supporters of the classical liberal ideas such as a reduced role of the state, an interest in free markets and emphasis on personal responsibility ?
the New Right
How were the Liberal Democrats formed?
After a merger between the old British liberal party and the Social Democrats
In 2005 what % of the votes did the Liberal democrats win?
22%
In 2005 how many seats did the Liberal Democrats win?
62 seats
From what year have UKIP put a candidate up for every parliamentary by-election?
1994
in 2005 no UKIP candidates won, how many were there?
496
What are the aims of Plaid Cymru?
To speak up for the culture and language of Wales
How have the Greens integrated in politics over the years?
currently 1 MP in HOC
- have won representation in the Scottish and European Parliaments
- several seats at local councils
