2024 Paper 1 UK Pol and Gov
9 markers
Explain and analyse three ways in which Labour Party ideology has changed under its different leaders. [9 marks]
Point: Labour’s ideology has indeed changed under different leaders for example left into centre ideology
Evidence: Under Jeremy Corbyn (2015-2020) Labour had taken a shift to left wing ideology as Corbyn believed previous leaders had failed to address growing economic and social inequality. However under Keir Starmer he has since then brought Labour to a centre wing position this can be seen when he published an document in 2021 called the Road Ahead document 2021
Analysis: This was because Starmer wanted to make Labour more appealing to the moderate and working-class voters Labour lost in the 2019 election, especially in the “Red Wall” constituencies that had traditionally supported the party but turned to the Conservatives.
Counter: However Starmer has still kept some of Corbyns left wing policies such as support for significant investment in public services, such as the NHS.
Para 2
Point: The was also seen with Tony Blair’s New Labour Project (1997-2010).
Evidence: Under Michael Foot Labour lurched to the left in the early 1980s. In attempt to modernise the Labour party repositioning it to centre ground, Blaire led the new labour movement. He embraced third pary ideology and accepted many of the thatcherite economic policies but retained labours social value.
Analysis: This repositioning to the centre was a clear success as Blair won 3 consecutive general elections as it was able to attract a broader audience such as the middle class.
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Para 3
Point: Old labour - under michael foot - left leaning - were socialist
Evidence: Labour’s manifesto in the 1983 general election which an example being the commitment to unilateral nuclear disarment
Analysis: was seen as a radical left approach . This is often referred to as “the longest suicide note in history” where it was seen as the party’s highest mark of socialism before it moved towards centrism
Explain and analyse three ways in which backbench MPs can influence policy within the legislative process.
Point: Can influence through commitees, the role is to scrutinise the works of the government and can also recommend policies
Evidence: in 2018 health and social care committee published a report that scrutinised the provision of mental health services then conservative gorvernment to increase mental health funding. with a pledge to provide additional £2.3 billion.
Analysis: The government clearly took in consideration the report found by the health and social care committee. This shows
Para 2
Point: Private member bills-legislative proposals introduced by Members of Parliament (MPs) or Lords who are not part of the government
Evidence: Stalking act 2019 by sarah wollaston who was at the time a conservative backbencher
analysis: The success of the Stalking Protection Act highlights how backbenchers can effectively influence policy, especially through targeted legislation that addresses specific gaps in law. By raising awareness, building support, and navigating the legislative process, backbench MPs can push critical reforms that might otherwise be overlooked by the government’s primary agenda.
Para 3
Point: debates in 2nd and third reading
Evidence: In 1986, Margaret Thatcher’s government suffered a rare defeat on a second reading when the Sunday Trading Bill was voted down due to a rebellion from Conservative backbenchers who opposed the liberalization of trading laws
Analysis: This defeat forced the government to abandon the bill entirely, showing that backbench opposition, even with a generally strong government majority, could halt legislation at an early stage.
Explain and analyse three ways in which pressure groups promote democracy in the UK.
PARA 1
point: allows for the peoples voice to be heard even from unrepresented communitites (pluralism)
evidence: Black lives matter challenges government about injustice and inequality
analysis: Pressure groups like Black Lives Matter play a crucial role in promoting democracy by giving a voice to the people, especially marginalized groups, and by challenging institutions to address inequality and injustice. The movement's success in raising awareness about racial inequality and encouraging debates around police reform shows how pressure groups can engage citizens directly in the democratic process and influence the public agenda.
PARA 2
Point: Holds government accountable-scrutinizing government actions and holding officials accountable for their policies.
Evidence: - pressure group: liberty wants to get rid of investigatory powers act 2016- in 2017 they brought a legal challenge against the government and in 2018 the high court ruled in favour of liberty
Analysis: - help to safeguard citizens' rights by ensuring that the government adheres to the law and respects human rights. When pressure groups, the media, or the judiciary scrutinize the government’s actions, they are often defending individual freedoms and pushing back against policies that might infringe on civil liberties.
PARA 3
Point: Enhancing Political Participation and Engagement
Evidence : Extinction Rebellion -climate marches, petitions, and campaigns, these groups mobilize public opinion and bring environmental concerns to the forefront of the political agenda.
Analysis: They empower people to influence policy between elections, fostering a deeper democratic culture.
Analyse, evaluate and compare the arguments in the above extracts regarding the impact of referendums upon democracy in the UK.
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‘Social class is still the main influence on voting behaviour in the UK.’ Analyse and evaluate this statement.
Para 1
Point: Media-debates and interviews
Evidence: the leaders’ debates, which were broadcast live on television, had a significant impact on the outcome. Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, performed strongly in the first debate, leading to a temporary surge in support for his party. This shift was partly driven by media coverage of his performance, which presented him as a viable alternative to the two main parties.
Analysis
Counter: ethnicity - The Labour Party has tended to benefit more from the votes of people from ethnic minority groups. most ethnic minority groups experience lower income levels and higher unemployment compared to white groups, therefore ethnic minority support for Labour could be due to social class. In the 2019 general election the Conservatives secured only 20% of the ethnic minority vote whereas Labour secured 64%.
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Para 2
Point: Electoral system -fptp unfair may need to vote tactically
Evidence: YouGov publish 1 in 5 voters say they will vote tactically
Analysis: could be because of safe seats, or want a less popular party
Counter: however social class is still a main influence as Labour traditionally appealed to working class and conservative middle and upper class
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Para 3
Point: Age, older more likely to vote conservative, younger - Labour
Evidence: from 2019 GE Labour - 56% of 18-24. Conservative - 67% 70+
Analysis: Brexit was happening- youngers were predominantely remain, olders more conservative and traditionalist - not too happy with change
Counter: working-class (usually younger)voters are more likely to favor policies aimed at wealth redistribution, public sector investment, and protection of workers' rights, which are generally championed by left-wing parties like Labour. In contrast, wealthier voters (usually older)tend to favor policies that support the free market and lower levels of government intervention, which align with the Conservative Party's policies.
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