Political Parties

Question 1

State 3 Left-wing political ideas

Answer 1

1. the government should reduce inequality and encourage social cohesion by providing an extensive welfare state.
2. The wealthier in society should pay a higher share of the cost of running the welfare state through redistributive taxation.
3. enjoy a close relationship with trade unions since unions represent the the economic interests of the working class.

Question 2

State 3 Right-wing political ideas

Answer 2

1. Focusing on the importance of giving the individual as much control over their own life and business as possible.
2. reject left wing attempts to encourage greater in equality and believe that the free market operates best when there is little government interference.
3. emphasises the importance of a shared national identity and encourages traditional lifestyles.

Question 3

Define consensus politics and give an example

Answer 3

(def) consensus politics means that there are many philosophical and policy similarities between the main political parties. The opposition ,therefore, may support more government policies.
(ex) Tony blaire embracing low taxation and free market ideas made his time as leader a “butskellite” consensus.

Question 4

Define advisory politics and give an example

Answer 4

(def) advisory politics means that the main political parties are divided by fundamental philosophical and policy differences. The opposition will routinely oppose the policies of the government.
(ex) Socialist leader Micheal Foot against the free market reform of Thatcher in the early 1980’s

Question 5

Why is selecting candidates an important function of political parties?

Answer 5

Because once elected, a candidate can claim an electoral mandate to represent that constituency in the House of Commons.

Question 6

What share of the vote did Jeremy Corbyn receive in the 2015 leadership contest?

Answer 6

59.5%

Question 7

What is a manifesto and how is it used?

Answer 7

(def) a document drafted by party members or surrounding bodies which encompasses the political direction of their party often reflecting the opinions of the entire party. This will be published during a general election campaign.

Question 8

What is meant by a mandate to govern?

Answer 8

If a party has won an election it is said to have a mandate to govern, this means that they have the authority to try and enact its manifesto commitments.

Question 9

What are the three main funds granted to the two houses?

Answer 9

1. Policy development grants allocate £2million to all the main parties so that they can employ policy advisors.
2. Short money is allocated to the opposition parties for their work in the Commons on the basis of the number of seats they have. Leader of the opposition receives £800,000 for running their office.
3. Cranbourne money subsidises the work of scrutiny carried out by opposition parties in the House of Lords.

Question 10

How much in donations did the conservative party receive before the 2017 general election?

Answer 10

£25 million

Question 11

How was political funding in the Labour Party impacted by the Trade Union Act 2016?

Answer 11

This act changed the laws regarding membership, it stated that new union members must now “opt in” if they wish their membership fee to go to the Labour Party. This means that the conservatives will have the edge in terms of campaigning over the Labour Party.

Question 12

How did The Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000 provide greater transparency and fairness in elections?

Answer 12

1. an independent electoral commission was established to monitor the amount of money parties spent on campaigns
2. This amount was limited to £30,000
3. Political parties must declare large-scale donations (over £5,00) to the commission and must not accept donation from a non-uk citizen.

Question 13

Outline the ideologies of traditional conservatism

Answer 13

Traditional conservatism believes that In order for society to function effectively, there must be some form of hierarchy. Individuals within society need to be aware of their place within and accept their duties accordingly.. This began to break down with the widening of the franchise.

Question 14

Outline the ideologies of one nation conservatism

Answer 14

The Conservative party should protect and advance the interests of the whole nation. Founded by Benjamin Disraeli in the 1880’s, it became very popular with the working class and united the rich and poor.

Question 15

Name three one Nation Conservative Prime ministers

Answer 15

1. Benjamin Disraeli
2. Harold Macmillan
3. Edward Heath

Question 16

Outline the ideologies of New Right conservatism

Answer 16

New Right conservatism is rooted in classical liberalism because it seeks to reduce the influence of government in the economy and over peoples lives. It also derives from traditional conservatism because of its emphasis on the importance of achieving security through law and order and strong defence.

Question 17

Give examples of current Neo-liberalism within the Conservative party

Answer 17

The conservatives remain committed to low taxation as a way of maximising economic growth. Johnsons conservatives cut corporation tax to 17% making the UK one of the most competitive countries in the world to do business.

Question 18

Give examples of current Neo-conservatism within the Conservative party

Answer 18

In its 2017 manifesto, the Conservatives committed to cutting immigration down to under 100,00 a year demonstrating a Neo-conservative emphasis on the importance of maintaining national identity.

2. Theresa May committed her government to strong national security and the Trident nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of Conservative defence policy.
3. Growing euroscepticism within the Conservative party reinforces the idea of a proud national identity.

Question 19

Give examples of One-nationism within the Conservative party

Answer 19

1. The introduction of Camerons National Citizenship Qualification was a way of acknowledging the importance of a shared membership of society.
2. Cameron using his authority as prime minister to supporting gay marriage demonstrates tolerance and inclusivity.
3. 2016 George Osborne introduced the National living wage which represents the economic interests of the poorest in society

Question 20

Outline the ideologies of Old Labour

Answer 20

Old labour is associated with the left-wing principles of positive intervention to create a more equal society through higher taxes on the wealthy, nationalisation of public services and generous welfare provision.

Question 21

How have Labour governments sought to create a more inclusive society in the past?

Answer 21

1. Nationalisation whereby the government runs key industries in the interests of workers
2. redistributive taxation so that the wealthy in society pair greater share of taxes
3. Supporting an extensive welfare state
4. Fostering close links with trade unions since they advocate for the economic interests of workers

Question 22

Give two ways in which Clement Attlee incorporated old Labour ideologies during his time as prime minister

Answer 22

1. In 1948 he introduced the National health service providing free healthcare for the nation
2. Approximately 20% of the economy was nationalised including industries such as steel and coal as well as the Bank of England.

Question 23

Outline three ways in which Harold Wilson incorporated old Labour ideologies during his time as prime minister.

Answer 23

1. The maintenance grant was introduced to make it easier for young people from poor backgrounds to attend university, as well as the introduction of the open University
2. Wilson’s government was committed to the expansion of comprehensive education at the expense of grammar schools
3. The sex discrimination act 1975 made discrimination in the workplace illegal.

Question 24

Outline the ideologies of new labour

Answer 24

New Labour combines the left-wing commitment of social justice with a right-wing emphasis on the value of free markets in encouraging economic prosperity

Question 25

Key notes about New Labour Policy (1997 - 2007)

Answer 25

1. Blair kept the top rate of taxation to 40% on the basis that the wealthiest in society are wealth creators and that the economy would grow faster if their taxes were kept low. 2. Great emphasis was put on the state being an enabler rather than a provider. State schools were given greater independence from local authorities and tuition fees were introduced. 3. New Labour introduced tough new laws such as antisocial behaviour orders (ASBO's) to combat crime. 4. In 1999 most of the hereditary peers were removed from the house of lords 5. The European convention on human rights was incorporated into British law in the human rights act 1998 6. An independent Supreme Court was established in 2005 and opened in 2009 7. Referendums paves the way for devolved assemblies in Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland dramatically altering the location of power in the United Kingdom.

Question 26

Key notes about Current labour, momentum and Jeremy Corbyn (2015 - 2020)

Answer 26

1. Jeremy Corbyn was elected labour leader in 2015 and it marked a striking shift in the direction of the Labour Party because soon after his election a new group within labour known as momentum was established to sustain and encourage the spread of democratic socialism. 2. Momentum is principles of socialist inequality were drawn from their inspiration of coal Marxist optimistic vision of what human beings can achieve by working together leading to their campaign slogan 'for the many, not the few' 3. The top rate of taxation would be set at 50p for income is above £123,000 and those earning £80,000 or more will be expected to pay 45% rate of taxation. 4. A Labour government would introduce an extensive program of renationalisation. The railways and water companies would be taken back into public ownership and the privatisation of the Royal mail was reversed. 5. Labour was committed to repealing the trade union act 2016. 6. Zero our contract should be ended so that all workers have a guaranteed number of hours 7. Labour would also provide free school meals for all primary school children, which would be paid for by the removal of VAT exemption on private school fees.