Political Parties Flashcards
(26 cards)
Main functions of political parties
Representation, Policy formation, Leader decision, organising government, political participation
How do political parties
help democracy
Simplify choices, aggregate interests, hold government to account, mobilise voters
How are political parties funded
Membership fees, donations, short money (for opposition), and fundraising
party funding controversial?
Wealthy donors may gain undue influence (Cash for Honours scandal)
Reforms to party funding
Trade Union Bill 2015-16 - reduce the amount of money trade unions can donate to Labour
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 - regulates the funding and spending of political parties, candidates and certain others, and created the Electoral Commission to monitor compliance
Conservative Party Ideology
Mix of fiscal conservatism, nationalism/Post-Brexit pragmatism, and ‘levelling up’ social policies under PM Rishi Sunak
Conservative leader and impact
Rishi Sunak focuses on economic stability after Brexit and COVID, while maintaining a tough stance on immigration and law & order
Recent Conservative policies
‘Levelling up’ agenda to reduce regional inequalities; tough immigration policies; tax cuts paired with public spending restraint
Labour Party
Centre-left under Keir Starmer, focusing on competence, economic responsibility and rebuilding trust after Corbyn years
Recent Labout leadership and electoral performance
Keir Starmer has repositioned Labour, gaining in polls but still trailing Conservatives in some by-elections (2025 local elections)
Recent labour policies or priorities
Emphasis on NHS investment, climate change action, social justice, and economic fairness without ‘radical’ spending promises
Current position of Liberal Democrats
Pro-EU, socially liberal, strong on climate change, advocating for constitutional reform (including voting reform)
Recent Lib Dem challenges and successess
Lost some ground after 2019 but gained seats in 2023 local elections and focus on ‘Remain’ voters post-Brexit
Recent lib dem policies
Rush for proportional representation, opposition to ‘hard Brexit’ policies, and stronger environmental protections
Influential Minor Parties
SNP in Scotland, Green Party (growing environmental influence), Reform UK (populist, anti-lockdown) and Brexit Party remnants
SNP developments
SNP Humza Yousaf (Since 2023) pushing for a second Scottish independence referendum amid growing support
Green Party influence
Increasing visibility on climate crises, a few local council gains and strog youth support
UK still two-party?
Mainly yes at Westminster with Conseratives and Labour dominating, but more multi-party dynamics in developed parliaments and local elections
Recent evidence of multi-party politics
SNP dominance in Scotland, Liberal Democracy recovery in some areas, Greens influencing environmental policy
Current Conservative economic policy
Fiscal responsibility post-covid, ‘levelling up,’ low corporate taxes, and limited welfare reform
Current Labour economic policy
Investment in public services, progressive taxation, cautious but significant green investment
Lib Dems view constitutional reform
Renewed calls for proportional representation, House of Lords reform post-Brexit
How does leadership impact party success
Starmer’s moderate cautious approach aims to restore trust after Corbyn; Sunak’s handling of economic crises affects Conservative popularity
Recent leader challenges
Truss’s brief premiership (2022) and chaotic economic mini-budget damaged Tory crediblity; Starmer criticised for lack of clear vision
