Minor Parties Flashcards
Arguments for the fact that the uk has a multi party system?
2019 general election- SNP 45% vote, 48% seat
SNP- governing party in Scotland
Minority parties achieved success in second order elections- Brexit party got 30% of vote in 2019
Arguments against fact uk has a multi party system?
Lab+con only parties with realistic choice forming gov
2019- con+ lab parties won 76% of vote and 87% seat
What are the three ways minor parties have had an influence in the uk?
Influencing political agenda
Governing parts of the uk
Coalition government
What’s an example of how a minor party has influenced the political agenda and how has it done this?
Green Party with environmental polices, very strong impact, all minor parties have environment polices e.g- phasing out petrol cars
What’s an example of a minor party governing parts of the uk and how did it have influence?
SNP, governing party in Scotland- single party gov responsible for abolishing tuition fees, free dental and prescriptions
What’s an example of a minor party being in coalition government and how did it have influence?
2011 voting system referendum- referendum that affected all of uk- attempted to introduce proportional representation to uk, 63% voted keep FPTP
How could you criticise the argument that the lib dem coalition had little influence as a minor party?
Coalition government very rare and linden party never recovered popularity failed electoral reform
What’s a single party system? And an example?
Only one party allowed- all others banned
E.g- nazi Germany, communist Russia
What’s a two party system? And an example?
Maybe more than 2 parties, but 2 dominate political system
E.g- USA and UK
What’s a dominant party system? And an example?
More than party but one dominates the government for significant period of time
E.g- uk (labour 1997-2010)
What’s a multi party system? And an example?
Genuine multi party competition and representation in parliament
E.g- Germany, 7 parties all with 40 or more seats
