Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
What is a democracy?
|
The eligible citizens of a country or state vote to choose people to represent their interests in the way that the country is run.
|
|
|
What is a Member of Parliament (MP)?
|
A representative elected by voters to parliament. These MPs tend to be members of political parties (i.e. Labour), although some act independently.
|
|
|
What is a General Election?
|
This is the election of Members of Parliament to the Houses of Commons. These must be held within 5 years and 1 month of the last one, but are often held before that time because it is up to the party in Government to decide when to call a General Election.
|
|
|
The Cabinet
|
A group of senior members of government who effectively decide government policy and the way in which this can be made into law through parliament.
|
|
|
Political parties in the UK
|
- Labour
- Conservative - Liberal Democrats - Democratic Unionist - Scottish National Party + others such as UKIP, BNP |
|
|
The Labour Party
|
- Originally founded as a socialist party that aimed to improve conditions of the working class
- Reinvented itself for the 1997 elections - Strong links with trade unions - Now supports big business and cooperation between business and the state to meet social needs - Supports the idea of the UK being more integrated with the European Union |
|
|
The Conservative Party
|
- Leans towards tradition
- Encourages individuals to make a success of themselves rather than having the state support - However: in the past few years the party have made more commitment to effective state support for health and other services - The party has often been divided in its views on integration with the European Union |
|
|
The Liberal Democrats
|
AKA Lib Dems
- Formed in 1988 - Based on idea of liberalism = freedom from state control - Believe government should give everyone equal opportunities and the freedom to choose their own route through life - Includes clearing state regulation and protection from the way that the economy works - Always been pro-European - Problems have arisen in the past in relation to the commitment in higher tax for the better off - this has now been dropped in favour of lower tax where possible |
|
|
Pressure groups
|
- Political parties try to gain power themselves, whereas pressure groups try to influence those already in power
- They may be trying to support a group of particular interests like teachers for example - Or they might be trying to influence the government on a policy issue - like reducing greenhouse gas emissions |
|
|
Main aims of pressure groups
|
- Influence government policy
- Do not intend to stand for election - May use both legal and illegal methods - Concentrate on one single issue |
|
|
Examples of pressure groups
|
1) Animal Liberation Front - To stop and prevent medical experiments on animals
2) Confederation of British Industry - To advance the interests of companies, mainly manufacturing 3) Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament - To get rid of all nuclear arms 4) Hunt Saboteurs Association - To prevent blood sports, especially fox hunting 5) OutRage! - To challenge homo |
|
|
Division of Pressure groups
|
There are so many pressure groups that they tend to be subdivided, such as:
1. Sectional - representing the section of society according to occupation e.g. The Law Society 2. Cause - representing those concerned with a social or ethical issue e.g. Greenpeace 3. Insider - members of the group have regular contact with government ministers 4. Outsider - members of the group are not afforded such contact |
|
|
Key political issues
|
- Economy
- Political leaders - Health and Social care - Education - Transport - Immigration - Europe - Foreign policy |
|
|
Referendum: Definition
|
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision
|
|
|
Referendum: Advantages
|
- Encourages people to get involved in democracy
- Gives a simple, clear, irrefutable answer - Adds weight to a measure to be taken - Provides firm direction for a controversial issue |
|
|
Referendum: Disadvantages
|
- Undermines the government
- There can be problems with the phrasing of the question - Issues are too complex for 'yes' and 'no' - The result may not be clear |
|
|
Local Government
|
- Parish councils were formed in 1894 to take over the social welfare and civic duties of towns and villages
- Before 1894 a variety of groups based around church parishes had responsibility for these matters, in a system of local government that dated back to the feudal system |
|
|
County Councils
|
Councils that govern a county i.e. Norfolk County Council
- They are responsible for more strategic services in a region, with smaller Urban and Rural District Councils being responsible for other activities |
