Liberal Democrats

Question 1

History of Liberal Democrats

Answer 1

Reinvented in 1988 through a merger of the Liberal Democrats and Social Democrat Party

Question 2

Liberal Democrat values

Answer 2

. Tolerance - everyone’s beliefs should be tolerated

. Liberty and rights - individual freedom

. Equality of opportunity - all should enjoy equal life chances

. Social justice - redistribution of wealth but not cost of individual liberty

. Constitutionalism - separation of power and strong constitution

Question 3

Social liberals

Answer 3

. Traditionally the centre-left wing of the party

. Increase social justice through the state

. High spending to reduce inequalities

E.g Tim Barron, Simon Hugh’s and Charles Kennedy

Question 4

Orange book liberals

Answer 4

. Lean more towards centre

. Increase social mobility through economic freedom for disadvantaged

. Cutting taxes for the poor

E.g. Nick Clegg …

Question 5

Cleggs Liberal Democrat Party (2010 - 2016)

Answer 5

. Able to raise threshold of income tax from £6,745 in 2009 to £11,000 in 2015

. Paid a heavy price for its u-turn on abolishing tuition fees

. Failed to win referendum un electoral reform or House of Lords reform

• 2015 MPs were reduced to 8 from 57 in 2010