minor parties - paper 1 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is a minor party?
A political party outside the two largest (Conservative and Labour) with limited influence over government formation.
Give two roles of minor parties in UK politics.
- Represent niche interests
- influence public debate and policy.
How do minor parties contribute to pluralist democracy?
- increase voter choice
- represent minority views
- hold major parties to account.
Which minor party won the most seats in the 2019 general election?
Scottish National Party (SNP) — 48 seats.
How many seats did the Green Party win in the 2019 general election?
1 seat (Caroline Lucas in Brighton Pavilion).
How did the Brexit Party (now Reform UK) perform in 2019?
0 seats but won 2% of the vote
How does the First-Past-The-Post system affect minor parties?
It disadvantages them unless they have concentrated regional support.
Why are minor parties more successful in devolved assemblies?
Proportional electoral systems convert votes into seats more fairly
How many seats did the Liberal Democrats win in 2019, and what happened to their leader?
11 seats; leader Jo Swinson lost her East Dunbartonshire seat.
How did minor parties influence major parties in 2019?
The Brexit Party pressured the Conservatives to harden their Brexit stance by threatening to split the Leave vote.
What is the Green Party’s primary environmental policy?
Green New Deal — a comprehensive plan for transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2030, including investing in green jobs and renewable energy.
What was the Brexit Party’s main policy focus?
Hard Brexit — advocating for the UK to fully exit the EU without a deal.
What policy does the Liberal Democrats push for regarding Brexit?
Revoke Article 50 — calling for the immediate cancellation of Brexit and the UK to remain in the EU.
