UK Politics (2) - Political Parties Flashcards
What is privatisation?
The transfer of a business, industry or service from public to private ownership
What is Nationalisation?
The transfer of a business or industry or service from private to state control
What does ‘the state’ refer to?
Institutions within a country
What does ‘the market’ refer to?
The area in which commercial dealings are conducted. Often posed in opposition to the state
The right wing can be described as…
Individualist - against state interference
The left wing can be described as…
Collectivist - The state is seen as a force for good
The functions of a political party…
Making policy
Representation
Selecting candidates
Identifying leaders
Organising elections
Political education
Reinforcing consent
Name the many sources of party funding
Membership subscriptions
Fundraising events
Donations
Loans from individuals or banks
Self financing of candidates
£2 million available from the Electoral Commission
‘Short Money’ available to all opposition parties
Why is party funding open to question?
Biased towards the biggest parties
More reliant on big donors
Donors might expect a return on their investment.
Arguments for state funding of parties
Will end potential corruption
Reduce advantage of big parties
Improve participation by groups who have no ready source of funds
Arguments against state funding
It is tax payers money
Difficult to distribute fairly
Parties lose independence
