Political Parties Flashcards
What is a political party?
An organisation that develops a set of political goes and policies in order to take office and form a government
What is factionalism?
When a group of members (typically MPs) share a set of political beliefs that are not in full record with the generally accepted party policy
How is conservatism described?
A state of political mind that is naturally against change and reform. Prefers the known to the unknown. Generally supports the retention of traditional institutions and values
How is liberalism described?
A political movement/state of mind that places freedom, rights and tolerance high on its scale of values
How can socialism be described?
A state of mind/political movement that place equality of opportunity, social justice and collectivism high on its scale of values
What are the main functions of political parties?
Making policy Representation Selecting candidates Identifying leaders Education Reinforcing consent Organising elections
What is left wing usually associated with?
Ideas of socialism or social democracy
What is right wing often associated with?
Conservative ideas
What is census politics?
When two or more political parties broadly agree on basic policies
Where there are few major political conflicts
Implies lack of strong ideology in politics
What is adversary politics?
A circumstance when political parties are engaged in considerable conflict over political issues
Implies there are strong ideological conflicts in politics
Who was John Locke, what did he believe?
An English philosopher, with one of the earliest examples od liberal thought
“All of us are born with natural rights”
Who was John Stuart Mill, and what did he argue for?
A key historical figure in the development of liberalism
He argued that all citizens had the absolute right to exercise their freedom provided that they did not interfere with the freedom of others
What do the Lib Dems believe about economic management?
More intervention is necessary to ensure greater industrial democracy
More power for employees
What do the Lib Dems believe about taxation?
Fair taxation
Replace council tax with a system of local income tax so tax is more relevant to income than it does to property
Supports 50% taxation on salaries over £100k
What do the Lib Dems believe about the EU and brexit?
They are a pro - european party
Brexit must incoed membership in the single market and protect freedom of movement
