UK Politics- "Evaluate the view that the UK is a two-party system"

Intro Overall-

Agree because the presence of the Labour and Conservative party is so ingrained into history that they are seen as the only viable parties of government and the institutions of the UK reinforce this, making it very unlikely that the UK will break out of it's two-party system with the Cons and Labour in the future

In 2019, how much of the vote share went to parties that aren't the Labour and Conservative party?- Showing a multi-party system because support and power is spread amongst multiple parties

24% (Lib Dems 11% and SNP 3.9%)

In 2019, what percentage of the seats went to the Labour and Conservative parties?- Showing a 2-party system because the true power to legislate and enact ideological views is held by the Labour and Conservative parties alone. The historically ingrained FPTP system causes this and will not be removed.

87%

What is Conservative party membership currently?

172,000

What was Conservative party membership in the 1950s?

2.8 million

How many seats did the Lib Dems get to form a coalition?- Multi party

57

How many Twitter followers does Ian Blackford have?

184,000

How many Twitter followers does Keir Starmer have?- The two big parties dominate media, creating the image of the UK as a 2-party system

1.3 million

Political parties in power after 1979?- Because parties are in government for decades at a time and often win 3 consecutive general elections, the UK could be considered a dominant party system

After 1979, Cons are in power 13 years, Labour 8 years, Conservatives 12 years

How many days are given to opposition?- The opposition-government system places two parties at the centre of political consciousness, depriving other parties of the resources and exposure to hold anywhere near as much relevance, maintaining a 2-party system.

20 days

Labour party amount available to them in short money?

almost £7 million

How many questions does the Leader of the Opposition ask in PMQs?- PMQs are seen as a political point scoring contest between the government and opposition. This system of two parties clashing against eachother poses the UK as a two party system

6 (compared to 2 from the 3rd biggest party leader)

Main points in agreement

FPTP means that Labour and Conservatives get seats and get majorities, Labour and Conservatives dominate media, the opposition-government system places two parties at the centre of UK politics