As Politics - Political Parties.

Front 1

What are the main functions of political parties?

Back 1

- They sift and organise the ideas of the electorate.
- They provide a source of political knowledge.
- They act as a bridge between the electorate and the political system.
- They mobilise and recruit support.
- They serve their role in adversarial politics.
- They form policy and law if in government.

Front 2

What are the main functions of political parties?

Back 2

- They draw opinion from the electorate and sift ideas.
- They provide a source of political knowledge.
- They act as the bridge between the electorate and the political system.
- They mobilise and recruit support.
- They provide a source of opposition when not in government.

Front 3

Why are the main reasons for Britain's two party system?

Back 3

- The natural tendency for the electorate to be divided into a 'for' and 'against' position on most issues.
- The 'first past the post' electoral system discourages the growth of new parties.
- The existence of two main 'catch all' parties which both appeal to a broad range of the electorate. Therefore most cannot see the need for third or fourth parties as the major ones can cater for all.
- MPs are either in government or in opposition. There are few other parties - Lib Dem, Green, SNP.
- Although this is changing, there is a traditional absence of deep ethnic, linguistic and religious differences in the electorate. Therefore two parties are enough.
- The problems faced by third parties, who cannot usually establish their own distinct identity and will struggle with finance and resources.

Front 4

What are the advantages of Britain's two party system?

Back 4

- Our two party system tends to lead to decisive, strong and stable government. Coalitions are rare.
- It simplifies voters choice, which also helps the mis-informed.
- The voters know who to hold accountable for failures and who to praise for success instead of coalitions.

Front 5

What are the disadvantages of Britain's two party system?

Back 5

- It restricts voter choice to two, 'modern catch all parties' which can even be un-distinguishable in their views on most policies.
- It encourages adversary politics which many see as primitive.
- Both the parties in the two party system have become increasingly unpopular in recent years, due to more reporting on scandals etc...which may lead to less turnout at general elections.

Front 6

What were Labour's main ideas and policies under Neil Kinnock?

Back 6

- Labour were extremely left wing in the early 1980s and were seen as out of touch, despite many Labour voters being fairly left wing. Under Neil Kinnock, they began to move Labour back into the middle of the political spectrum. Kinnock abandoned unilateral disarmament and wide-scale nationalisations. This would make Labour more popular with the electorate. However he lost the 1987 election to Margaret Thatcher.

Front 7

What were Blair's New Labour's main ideas and policies?

Back 7

Blair drew upon Kinnock's work and took Labour further into the middle of the political spectrum in terms of ideology. In terms of image and style/presentation he adopted Conservative terminology such as 'the free market', 'change' and 'achievement'. He encouraged the free market and business enterprise, took a more elitist/free market/business orientated/capitalist approach and triangulated party policy with that of Neo-Liberalism and Old Labour ideals to create his 'third way' which employed 'big tent' politics. He also re-wrote clause 4 of the Labour constitution, taking less of a committed approach to socialism and nationalising the means of production.

Front 8

What were the Conservatives' main ideas and policies under Maggie Thatcher?

Back 8

She sought to break away from post-war one nation conservatism. They believed in high state intervention and that the rich have a duty to protect the poor. In terms of economic policy she encouraged the free market and discouraged regulation of the economy by the government. Her social policy was, arguably, contradictory as some of her policies represented an interventionist philosophy which Thatcher discouraged in all other areas of government. She encouraged certain values and put emphasis on the 'tradtional family'. These were known as 'victorian virtues'. However the majority of her social policy did discourage state intervention. She also believed in a strong police force. 'You need a strong state to have a small state'. In terms of political policy she believed in a strong British nuclear deterrent. In terms of economic policy, she lowered taxes and brought abut privatisations of a number of businesses and industries. She tried to tackle wage increases and price rises. This became the priority over employment.

Front 9

What were the Conservatives' main ideas and policies under the leadership of David Cameron?

Back 9

Cameron is seen as a modern compassionate conservative. He has sought to break with the past of failed leaders and tough conservative governments. He has modelled himself on Blair in terms of appearance and style/presentation. For example; the use of slogans, rolled up sleeves etc... He has triangulated Tory policy with that of Neo-Liberalism and New Labour ideals. To create his 'new third way'. He has moved the Conservatives further into the middle of the political sepctrum to make them more appealing to voters. In social policy, Cameron has taken a more liberal stance on gay relationships, dismissed a re-introduction of grammar schools (therefore alienating the right wing of his party) and has cut funding to universities - prompting a huge rise in tuition fees by uni's who soon will be allowed to charge whatever they want. In economic policy he has cut the military (aircraft carriers, joint defense with France) and reduced housing benefit. In terms of political policy he has cut quangos and allowed some business enterprises - such as KFC and Pepsi - a leading role in the department of health.