Comparing the US and UK parties

What are the key similarities about government formation?

• US: Since 1948, any Democrats or Republicans have become President

• Its difficult for third parties to get onto state ballots because of the states

• Super PACs and PACs usually fund the two main parties

• Expensive - independents need 13,000 votes not from a registered Democrat or Republican

• UK: The election system works against smaller parties - only two parties have formed govt

• Labour and conservatives secure the most funds

• Third Parties can help form a coalition

What are the key differences about government formation

• Wider representation in the UK with 10 political parties nationalist parties are based in the devolved regions

• The appointed nature of the Lords enable the presence of crossbenchers

• In the US there is an incumbency advantage and independents caucus with the Democrats

• Regional representation is held by different parties in the UK but democrats and republicans are found in the US

What are the key similarities about policy: healthcare

• US: The Democrats seek to expand the limited healthcare which is funded through tax (Medicare) as they favour a big government

• UK: Both UK parties are committed on healthcare and funding the NHS

What are the key differences about policy: healthcare

The Democrats won’t go as for as the UK on public healthcare. The Republicans favour private healthcare and seek to repeal Obamacare.

What are the key similarities about policy: the economy

• Labour and the Democrats want to tax the highest earners

• Conservatives and Republicans favour a less regulated economy but cuts and a less regulated economy

What are the key differences about policy: the economy

• Labour goes further than Democrats with nationalisation policies.

• The Conservatives favour some govt intervention in the the economy whilst Republicans are more neo-liberal.

What are the key differences in the US and UK parties?

• Stronger party unity v weaker party unity

• Single clear leader v no clear leader

• Party manifesto v looser party platform

• Multi-party v Single party

What is the structural theory explanation of the differences in parties in the US and UK?

• The constitutional arrangements based on federalism or a more unitary state

• The way in which candidates are chosen will also have a structural impact

• The election systems will also help to explain the party system as it affects the outcome of elections