Topic 8 - Political Parties Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is a political party?
An organised group seeking to gain and exercise political power by contesting elections and forming governments.
What is the purpose of manifestos?
To outline a party’s policies and priorities before an election, providing a mandate if elected.
What is the Salisbury Doctrine?
A constitutional convention that the House of Lords should not block or delay legislation promised in the government’s winning manifesto.
Does the concept of an electoral mandate make sense?
Partly; low turnout and vague manifestos undermine it.
What are the 5 main roles political parties perform?
- Representation
- Participation
- Recruiting leaders
- Policy formulation
- Organising government
What is the difference between mainstream, minority, and single-issue parties?
- Mainstream: broad voices and electoral reach (e.g. Conservatives)
- Minority: represent specific communities (e.g. SNP, DUP)
- Single-issue: focused on one cause (e.g. Reform UK on Brexit; previously UKIP)
What are the different types of party systems?
- One-party (e.g. China)
- Two-party (e.g. USA)
- Multi-party (e.g. Italy)
- UK = Two-party dominant system, but with multi-party features in devolved regions and local elections.
Where do socialism, liberalism, and conservatism fit on the spectrum?
- Socialism = left-wing (equality, state intervention)
- Liberalism = centre (individual freedom, social reform)
- Conservatism = right-wing (tradition, free markets)
When did the Conservative Party emerge?
Early 19th century; formalised from the Tory Party by 1834.
What is the difference between One-nation conservatism and Thatcherism?
- One-nation: pragmatic, paternalist, supports welfare (e.g. Macmillan, Cameron)
- Thatcherism: neoliberal, individualism, deregulation, small state.
What intra-party squabbles have occurred in the past 50 years within the Conservatives?
- EU (1970s-Brexit)
- Austerity
- Net zero
What were the characteristics of the Conservatives under Cameron (2010-2016)?
- Socially liberal (e.g. same-sex marriage)
- Fiscally conservative (austerity)
- Pro-EU renegotiation
What were the challenges faced by the Conservatives under May (2016-2019)?
- ‘Brexit means brexit’ struggled with Parliament
- Balancing leave and remain wings
What was the style of leadership under Johnson (2019-2022)?
- Hard Brexit
- Populist style
- Covid handling
- Scandals (‘Partygate’)
What characterized Truss’s leadership in 2022?
45-day tenure; radical tax cuts led to market turmoil.
What is Sunak’s focus as a leader since 2022?
Focus on economic stability, cautious technocrat, faces challenges from Reform UK and internal divisions.
How was the Labour Party formed and why?
Formed in 1900 to represent trade unions and working-class interests in Parliament.
What are the factions within the Labour Party?
- Left: Socialist Campaign Group (e.g. Corbyn)
- Centre-left: Soft left (e.g. Miliband)
- Right: New Labour/Blairites (e.g. Starmer allies)
How was ‘New Labour’ different?
Centrist, pro-market, tough on crime, abandoned Clause IV (state ownership). Led by Tony Blair.
What characterized Labour under Gordon Brown (2007-2010)?
Continued Blair’s policies: response to financial crisis with bank bailouts and stimulus.
What was Labour’s focus under Miliband (2010-2015)?
Focused on cost of living, energy price freeze, ‘responsible capitalism’; labelled ‘Red Ed’.
What was the agenda of Labour under Jeremy Corbyn (2015-2020)?
Democratic socialist agenda: anti-austerity, nationalisation, popular with youth, lost heavily in 2019.
What characterized Labour under Keir Starmer (2020-present)?
Centre-left, pro-business, tough on antisemitism, focus on competence and moderation.
How and why were the Liberal Democrats formed?
Formed in 1988 from merger of SDP and Liberal Party to provide centrist alternative.
