Political Parties Flashcards
(24 cards)
How could state funding of political parties reduce the influence of wealthy donors and businesses?
State funding would limit reliance on major private donors.
Example: Anthony Bamford and JCB donated £8.1 million to the Conservative Party between 2007–2017.
How would state funding create a level playing field in elections?
It would reduce the financial advantage of wealthier parties.
Example: In the 2019 general election, the Conservatives raised £19.4 million in the final quarter compared to Labour’s £5.4 million.
How could state funding prevent ‘cash for honours’ scandals?
It would reduce the risk of policy favours being exchanged for donations.
Example: The David Cameron-Greensill scandal (2021) raised concerns about lobbying and preferential access.
Why might state funding of political parties be seen as an unfair use of taxpayer money?
Taxpayers already support opposition parties through Short Money, and expanding this could seem wasteful.
Why should political parties rely on public support instead of state funding?
Grassroots funding reflects genuine popular backing without government involvement.
Example: The Labour Party saw a surge in grassroots funding under Jeremy Corbyn.
How is private funding of political parties already regulated?
Spending limits and transparency rules exist to prevent financial abuses.
Example: The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 introduced such regulations.
How does ‘pick-and-mix’ politics show voters adopting a mix of policies?
Voters support both Left and Right policies instead of sticking to one ideology.
Example: Boris Johnson’s government increased public spending despite traditional Conservative austerity.
How have cultural and identity issues overtaken economic divisions in politics?
Voters now prioritise cultural issues like Brexit over traditional class or economic concerns.
Example: In the 2019 election, former Labour voters supported Boris Johnson due to Brexit.
How do third parties and movements challenge traditional Left-Right structures?
Voters back single-issue parties over broad ideological parties.
Example: Reform UK gained 4 million votes in 2024, focusing on specific issues.
Why do economic issues still dominate election campaigns?
Economic debates like austerity vs government intervention remain central.
Example: After the 2008 financial crisis, Labour supported intervention while Conservatives backed austerity.
Why are internal party divisions not necessarily new or worse today?
Major splits have occurred before, such as in the 1980s between hard-left and moderate Labour factions.
Example: The Tony Benn vs Neil Kinnock divide mirrors today’s Corbyn-Blairite split.
How does First-Past-the-Post reinforce traditional Left-Right divisions?
It favours a two-party system where most votes go to Labour or Conservatives.
Example: In the 2019 election, Labour and Conservatives won over 75% of the vote.
How does First-Past-the-Post favour Labour and the Conservatives?
It creates two-party dominance by converting votes into seats more favourably for big parties.
Example: In 2019, Labour and Conservatives won 75.7% of the vote but 87% of seats, while Liberal Democrats won 11.5% of votes but only 11 seats.
Why is government formation dominated by Labour and Conservatives?
No non-Labour or Conservative government has existed since 1915.
Example: Even the 2010–2015 Coalition saw the Liberal Democrats playing a secondary role.
How does the media reinforce Labour-Conservative dominance?
It often excludes smaller parties from key events like debates.
Example: In 2019, only Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn participated in head-to-head debates.
How can third parties still influence politics?
They can push major parties to change policies.
Example: UKIP’s rise pressured Conservatives to hold the 2016 Brexit referendum.
How do devolved governments empower smaller parties?
Smaller parties can dominate regional politics.
Example: SNP won 48 out of 59 Scottish seats in the 2019 General Election.
How can coalitions and hung parliaments empower smaller parties?
Smaller parties can negotiate policy influence in return for coalition support.
Example: The 2010–2015 Coalition allowed the Liberal Democrats to influence policies like the 2011 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act and pupil premium funding.
How does FPTP distort election results in a multi-party system?
It gives unfair advantages to larger parties, exaggerating their seat share.
Example: In 2019, Conservatives won over 50% of seats with only 43% of the vote, while Liberal Democrats (11.5% of the vote) won just 11 seats.
How does FPTP discourage voter turnout?
Voters in safe seats may feel their vote doesn’t matter, lowering engagement.
Example: In Liverpool Walton (Labour majority 78%), many non-Labour voters feel disenfranchised.
How has multi-party politics already changed some UK elections?
Alternative systems like Supplementary Vote have been used successfully.
Example: London’s Mayoral elections use the Supplementary Vote system.
How does FPTP support strong, stable governments?
It often produces decisive majorities, allowing clear governance.
Example: In 2019, Conservatives achieved an 80-seat majority under FPTP.
Can third parties still influence politics without electoral reform?
Yes, they can shift policy by pressuring larger parties.
Example: UKIP influenced Brexit policy during the 2016 referendum despite few MPs.
What does the 2011 referendum reveal about public support for electoral reform?
The public largely rejected reform.
Example: In the 2011 AV referendum, 68% voted to keep the existing FPTP system.
