Party Internal Unity Flashcards
(6 cards)
1: one key difference in the degree of internal unity is that UK parties, particularly the governing party, typically exhibit a much higher level of parliamentary discipline and cohesion than their US counterparts
-for instance, under Johnson’s premiership, Conservative MPs largely voted in line with the whip during key stages of Brexit legislation, with only occasional high-profile rebellions, such as those in 2019 that led to expulsions.
-in contrast, US congressional parties are considerably looser in legislative terms, with members frequently defying party lines due to the decentralised nature of party organisation and localised political pressure. A notable example was Senator Manchin’s opposition to several key elements of Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, despite his party’s narrow majority
1: one key difference in the degree of internal unity is that UK parties, particularly the governing party, typically exhibit a much higher level of parliamentary discipline and cohesion than their US counterparts
Structural theory
-this difference reflects a structural theory insight: in the UK, the fusion of the executive and legislature and the centralised candidate selection process generate unity through institutional control, such as the party whip system and deselection threats.
-in the US, the separation of powers and primary based candidate selection make party discipline weaker because individual legislators owe their position more to their local electorate than to the national party.
2: a second difference lies in the ideological coherence within the parties, with the UK parties generally operating as more ideologically unified blocs compared to the broader coalitions seen in the US
-for example, the UK Labour Party under Starmer has moved to marginalise its Corbynite left and promote a more centrist, electable image, indicating a concerted effort to impose ideological discipline.
-in contrast, the US Democratic party spans a much wider ideological spectrum, ranging from progressives like AOC to moderates like Biden or Sinema who frequently oppose left-wing initiatives.
2: a second difference lies in the ideological coherence within the parties, with the UK parties generally operating as more ideologically unified blocs compared to the broader coalitions seen in the US
Cultural theory
- this can be analysed through cultural theory, since British political culture emphasises adversarial, party-based politics, encouraging a clearer ideological identity and a loyalty to party manifestos.
-American political culture, by contrast, is more pluralistic and individualistic, leading parties to function as broad umbrellas for diverse ideological tendencies
3: a final difference to the influence of leadership and electoral incentives on party cohesion, with UK leaders typically enjoying more centralised authority over party strategy and discipline than their US equivalents.
-for example, UK Prime Ministers such as Blair exercised strong control over party messaging, with Blair’s centralisation of the Labour Party machine ensuring considerable loyalty from MPs.
-By contrast, US presidents have limited tools to enforce internal party unity, and their influence over congressional voting is often contingent on personal popularity or electoral calculus. Trump despite his populist grip on the Republican base, frequently struggled to control congressional Republicans, particularly in his first year.
3: a final difference to the influence of leadership and electoral incentives on party cohesion, with UK leaders typically enjoying more centralised authority over party strategy and discipline than their US equivalents.
Rational theory
-this reflects a rational theory perspective, which suggests that unity os a product of calculated self-interest: UK MPs tend to align with part leaders, who can make or break their political careers through access to promotions or re-selection power. In the US, where electoral success is based on local support and individual branding, the rational incentive to toe the party line is much weaker, particularly for those in safe seats or with distinct personal platforms
