P1 Political Parties

What is Old Labour (social democracy)?

Pre-1994 Labour - public ownership, strong unions, high taxes, comprehensive welfare state

What is New Labour (Third Way)?

Blair/Brown approach - market economy with social justice, tough on crime, EU integration

What is One Nation conservatism?

Paternalistic Tory tradition - noblesse oblige, social reform, national unity over class division

What is New Right?

Thatcher's ideology - free market economics, traditional social values, strong law and order

What are classical liberals?

19th century liberals - minimal state, free market, individual freedom, laissez-faire economics

What are modern liberals?

20th century liberals - positive freedom, state intervention for equality, welfare provision

What are the main functions of political parties?

Representation, policy formation, recruitment of leaders, political education, organization of government

How are UK parties currently funded?

Membership fees, donations, trade union affiliation (Labour), state funding for opposition parties

Give argument FOR current party funding system

Preserves independence, reflects popular support, democratic choice in donations

Give argument AGAINST current party funding system

Wealthy donors buy influence, creates inequality, potential corruption

What are Conservative Party origins?

Evolved from Tory Party defending monarchy and Church, modern party founded 1834

What shaped Conservative development?

Disraeli's One Nation reforms, Thatcher's New Right revolution, Cameron's modernization

What are current Conservative economic policies?

Free market capitalism, low taxes, deregulation, support for business

What are current Conservative law and order policies?

Tough on crime, strong policing, traditional justice, support for victims

What are current Conservative welfare policies?

Reduce dependency, means-testing, work incentives, personal responsibility

What are current Conservative foreign policies?

Strong defense, special relationship with US, post-Brexit Global Britain

What are Labour Party origins?

Founded 1900 by trade unions and socialists to represent working class interests

What shaped Labour development?

Attlee's welfare state, Wilson's modernization, Blair's New Labour, Corbyn's return to left

What are current Labour economic policies?

Higher taxes on wealthy, public investment, workers' rights, regulated capitalism

What are current Labour law and order policies?

Focus on crime prevention, community policing, criminal justice reform

What are current Labour welfare policies?

Comprehensive welfare state, NHS protection, education investment, social housing

What are current Labour foreign policies?

International cooperation, human rights, climate action, European partnership

What are Liberal Democrat origins?

1988 merger of Liberal Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP)

What shaped Liberal Democrat development?

Liberal tradition of freedom, social market economy, pro-European stance

What are current Lib Dem economic policies?

Social market economy, higher taxes for public services, environmental investment

What are current Lib Dem law and order policies?

Criminal justice reform, civil liberties protection, drug policy reform

What are current Lib Dem welfare policies?

Strong welfare safety net, mental health investment, education priority

What are current Lib Dem foreign policies?

Pro-EU, international law, human rights, multilateral cooperation

What are SNP's key ideas and policies?

Scottish independence, social democracy, pro-EU, progressive taxation

What are Reform UK's key ideas and policies?

Anti-immigration, climate skepticism, traditional values, economic nationalism

Why has SNP been successful?

Scottish national identity, effective leadership, anti-Westminster sentiment, devolution success

What explains Reform UK's appeal?

Brexit support, immigration concerns, anti-establishment sentiment, UKIP successor

How has UK party system changed?

From two-party dominance to multi-party competition - devolution, coalition 2010-15, Brexit fragmentation

What factors affect party success?

Leadership quality, economic competence, media coverage, electoral system, campaign effectiveness

Give argument FOR multi-party system

Better representation, coalition building, prevents excessive power concentration

Give argument AGAINST multi-party system

Weak coalitions, policy compromises, less decisive government, voter confusion

What example shows media influence on parties?

Sun newspaper support - backed Conservatives 1979-1992, switched to Blair 1997-2010

How did Brexit affect the party system?

Split both major parties, created Brexit Party, realigned working-class voters to Conservatives

What coalition implications exist?

Power sharing requires compromise, less decisive policy-making, new democratic experience

What development created multi-party system?

Devolution gave regional parties power, declining class voting, tactical voting in marginals