Edexcel UK Politics Terminology: Political parties

Old Labour (social democracy)

Key Labour principles of:

• Nationalisation

• Redistribution of wealth to rich to poor

• Continually improving welfare and state services

• Rejecting Thatcherite/free-market/Blairite reforms (these were pro-privatisation, purest form of capitalism, pro-iraq war etc.)

New Labour (Third Way)

A revision of Old Labour values, influenced by Anthony Giddens. Shifting Labour focus to a wider class base not just working class and a less robust alliance with trade unions.

One Nation

A paternalistic approach adopted by Conservatives (specifically PMs Disraeli, Cameron and May) that the rich have an obligation to help the poor.

New Right

There are two elements:

1. The neoconservatives who want the state to become more authoritarian regarding morality and law and order

2. The neoliberals who endorsed the free market and a lack of state in people’s lives and businesses

Classical liberals

A philosophy developed by early liberals who believed that individual free would be best achieved with the state playing a minimal role.

Modern liberals

A reaction against free-market capitalism, believing it had led people to not being free and freedom isn’t just ‘being left alone’.

Party systems

The way/manner that parties in a political system are grouped and structured.

In the UK there are several types that can apply; one-party dominant, two-party, two-and-a-half party and multi-party systems.

Left-wing

Those who desire change to the way society operates, often involving radical criticism of capitalism by liberal and socialist parties.

Right-wing

Support for the status quo, the need for order and hierarchy - generally relates to the conservative parties.