Politics Notes PDF

Budget Analysis: - National insurance contributions = effects employees positively, employers negatively. 1.5% increase by 2025 - Income tax = effects both employees and employers negatively and the government positively. Article Notes: - In contrast, Labour\`s Tam Dalyell (who fam...

Budget Analysis: - National insurance contributions = effects employees positively, employers negatively. 1.5% increase by 2025 - Income tax = effects both employees and employers negatively and the government positively. Article Notes: - In contrast, Labour\`s Tam Dalyell (who famously posed the \`West Lothian question\`) felt that devolution would be a huge mistake -- a tipping point that could exacerbate the possibility of disunion. - As the Labour manifesto promised, devolution was to be given a mandate by the people of Scotland via a referendum. - 3% of those who voted opted for a Scottish Parliament and 63. - Labour then passed the Government of Scotland Act (1998) to establish this devolved legislative body. - When the Scottish Parliament was opened in 1999, the new Additional Member System (AMS) was widely expected to lead to a coalition government or potentially small-minority governments. - Dalyell was proven correct when the SNP\'s success led to the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and the lowering of the voting age to 16. - On September 18, 2014, voter turnout was an impressive 84%. With a 6% turnout, Scotland voted against independence 55.3% to 44%. Disunion was narrowly averted, but the result hardly affected the fortunes of the SNP or Labour. - In the 2016 and 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, Labour dropped to third place behind the Conservatives. However, the referendum and the unionist parties\' \'vow\' during the campaign resulted in further devolution, including additional powers granted by the Scotland Act of 2016, as recommended by the Smith Commission. - Table 1 shows that from 1999 to 2021, the SNP gained 29 seats and the Conservatives gained 13, while the Labour Party lost 34 and the Lib Dems lost 13. Devolution has not maintained Labour\'s dominance or supported the Union in Scotland. Since devolution, the Labour Party in the UK Parliament has decreased from 56 out of 72 Scottish seats in 1997 to just 1 out of 69 seats. - In 2019, Tam Dalyell was correct: devolution was chaotic for Labour and the Unionist cause. Sure! Please provide the text you\'d like me to shorten. - Speaking to the BBC 20 years after Welsh devolution, Tony Blair admitted he ignored warnings from Welsh Labour about the project, pushing it through because it was in the manifesto. - Public support was tepid, with just over 50% voting on September 18, 1997. The low turnout was nearly split, with 50.3% voting for a Welsh Assembly and 49%. Only about 25% of voters supported devolution, leading some to argue it wasn\'t the settled will of the Welsh people, while 7% opposed it. - Labour passed the Government of Wales Act (1998), creating a devolved Assembly in Cardiff despite a weak mandate. Since the Assembly opened in May 1999, Wales has consistently voted Labour. - In three of six elections, Labour won half the seats, narrowly missing out in others. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru has dropped from second place in 1999 to a close contest with the Conservatives, currently ranking third in the Senedd. **[Devolution in England 07/11/2024]** Arguments for: - England has a higher population so more powers should be given to them - One MP has to look over a higher number of constituents so more powers should be given in order to make rules to help them Arguments Against: - England already has more representatives than any other part of the UK - England does not want devolution. Conclusion: In conclusion, I believe that devolution in England should not proceed further. This is because People do not want it as turnout for local elections is low. Furthermore. It would also not solve asymmetric devolution which causes tension. However some people may say that devolution answers the Lothian question, however it would not have much affect as MP's from other parliament don't get involved in England's issues as a whole. - 2016 cities and local governments act = introducing mayors into larger city region. They would be given power over housing. Transport and policing among many other areas - They are currently 9 combined authority mayors. 1. What does the mayor of greater Manchester do? Governance of health. Transport and housing 2. What powers does the mayor have? Authoritative powers and also fiscal powers over transport 3. What limitations are there on the mayor? The mayor cannot create laws and also change them 4. Is the mayor a relevant and useful role? Yes, as it gives the local people someone to convey their issues onto and to get things done on a quicker scale. PRO CON ---------------------------- ----------------------------------- More aware of local issues Less accountability and scrutiny Closer proximity to issues Only administrative powers Policy testing grounds Low turnout so it is illegitimate **[Consequences of Devolution 11/11/2024]** - Evaluate the view that Devolution has significantly improved democracy in the UK (30) Conclusion: I believe that devolution has significantly improved democracy in the UK. The argument that it is more representative of the regions is stronger than the one of unequal powers as powers are given based on demand. **[Parliament 21/11/2024]** - Crossbenchers = member of HoL who is not associated with any party. - Speaker = an MP who presides over debate in the HofC - Chair of the public accounts committee = a person who presides over a committee that examines the financial arrangements of the Government. - Functions of Parliament: **Representation (Trustee, Delegate, Party, Descriptive), Legislation, Scrutiny (select committees, PMQs and Backbenchers)** - **Parliamentary Government:** - In the uk this is a source of Political Authority - The Government must be drawn from these Houses - No Strict separation of Powers - **Presidential Government:** - There is a clear separation of powers between the executive and the legislature - The president is not part of the Legislature - There must be a codified constitution - This figurehead is directly accountable to the people +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Function | Yes, it does | No it Doesn't | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | Representation | P: Parliament has | P: Majority of | | | members from | Parliament are males | | | different | which underrepresent | | | constituencies with | females. | | | different ethnic | | | | backgrounds | E: 41% of Parliament | | | | is Female while 51% | | | E: Parliament | of Uk population Is | | | Demographic census | Female | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Scrutiny | P: Prorogue | P: Parliament is | | | Parliament with | Vulnerable to the | | | suspension of | Executive which means | | | parliament. | there is no scrutiny | | | | | | | E: 2019 Parliament | E: Parliament was | | | suspension from Boris | closed by Boris. | | | Johnson | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Legislation | P: Delaying | P: They cannot stop | | | Legislation by the | the bill but only | | | House of Lords. | delay legislation | | | | | | | E: 2023 Illegal | E: House of Lords | | | Migration Bill | does not have power | | | (Rwanda Bill) | to veto bills | | | | (Salisbury | | | | Convention) | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Power | Example | Limitation | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | Legislation | Coronavirus Act 2020 | Henry VIII Powers | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Representation | 2024 Election | Disproportionate | | | | representation. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Prorogue Parliament | 2019 Suspension | Parliament vulnerable | | | | to the executive and | | | Boris Johnson | no scrutiny. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Delaying Legislation | 2023 Illegal | House of Lords cannot | | | migration bill | stop but only delay | | | (Rwanda Policy) | legislation. | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ [Evaluate the View that Parliament effectively fulfils its legislative function (30)] - White papers = informative document (finalised plan) - Green papers = consultative document (gathers opinion) - First reading - (+= the members of the parliament get an idea of what the bill is. -= it is not detailed) - Second [ ] reading -- (+= the bill is debated, -= the bill can still be veto at this stage) - Committee stage -- (+=can scrutinise line by line, -= the governing party can dominate the committee if it takes place on the floor) - Report Stage - Third Reading (+= anyone can suggest amendments to the bill. -= can be controversial as speaker picks who speaks) - House of Lords (+= higher levels of scrutiny and needs to have same result as commons. -= drags the process along) - Royal Assent [Parliament creates new laws due to:] - Emergency issues - Update old laws - Clarifying the law - Re-applying established principles of state law - Political reasons - Events - Treaties **[Assisted dying bill 2024 02/12/2024]** **[Background:]** - This bill was first introduced first by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater in 2021. It was introduced in order to give more choice and freedom to terminally ill patients and patients in significant pain. It is controversial as this may be considered suicide and there is moral and ethical stances on taking a life and that who is deemed responsible. **[Impacts:]** - It will mean that terminally ill patients can choose two end their lives if they have approval from 2 doctors and the high court. - 300 MP's voted in favour and 275 MP's voted against. 50 MP's did not vote - Now this will be given to the committee **[Functions of Parliament:]** **Legislate** = has the power to make and amend legislation and also gives the power to legislate to the legislators **Representation** = parliament contains MPs from many constituencies across the United Kingdom and also has MPs from diverse backgrounds with gender, ethnicity and sexual orientations. **Scrutiny** = public committees scrutinise legislation by gathering evidence and also House of Lords scrutinize bills before they are passed. **[Reasons why select committees are important (decreasing importance):]** 1. Select committees have direct influence on government policy. 2. Their work is respected because it is evidence based 3. The scope of the committee's work has expanded in recent years to include the scrutiny of legislation 4. The long serving members can accumulate more knowledge on a particular policy area than a minister. The argument that the most important factor of select committees is that they have direct influence on government policy is stronger than the argument of long serving ministers as it is more useful to the country. Having influence on government policy means that they can give the people of the country what they want and provide a better life for the citizens. **[Reasons why select committees are not important (decreasing strength of argument):\ ]** 1. The Majority of members will be drawn from the governing Party 2. The government accept around 40% of select committee recommendations, but these will rarely involved major policy changes. 3. Committees can only cover a limited range of topics in length. 4. Committees power to summon witnesses is considerable not limited 5. There is still a high turnover of membership of committees and some MPs do not attend regularly **Strengths** **Weaknesses** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Detailed Scrutiny of Government policies and actions --** in 2022, Home Secretary Priti Patel was criticized for failing to directly answer questions regarding the governments Rwanda Asylum seeker plan. **Government majority on committees --** 69% of Chair positions in Select committees is held by Labour MP's which shows the majority of the positions of parliamentary committees is held by Labour. **Power to call witnesses and access government Documents --** The DCMS Committee called Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify during its inquiry into disinformation and fake news, though he declined to appear personally **Evasion of difficult questions -** Home Secretary Priti Patel was criticized for failing to directly answer questions regarding the governments Rwanda Asylum seeker plan. **Authority to recommend to the government -**Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee\'s (EFRA) 2017 report on the UK's waste management system. **No power of Enforcement-** The DCMS Committee called Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify during its inquiry into disinformation and fake news and Mark Zuckerberg refused to appear in Person **Increasing Independence since 2010 -** Treasury Select Committee and its role in scrutinizing the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). **Members can use select committees to advance their own careers --** Darren Jones, former chair of the Business Committee is now in Government as chief secretary of the Treasury **[Business and Trade Committee:]** - Monitors department for business and Trade - It is powerful as it has a broad range of responsibilities and oversees a large jurisdiction. - The current chair = Liam Byrne MP - What is their role? - Government in Waiting. Not Always Significant. Depends on Competence. - To Scrutinise Government. Very Significant. Depends on the way the PM answers the question whether they dodge it or not. - Make Shortcomings of Government visible to the house. Quite Significant. Depends on the Time available to speak about the government. Evaluate the view that Parliament is effective at holding the government to account (30 Marks) P Select Committees holds the government to account effectively. --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E They Directly scrutinise The Prime Minister and can ask about their departments such as the public accounts committee asking about Government Finances. A Holds the government to account as they are intensely questioned in a 2-hour long session 2 times a year which they are scrutinised by many select committees. C Select committees are useless as they have a government majority E Around 75% of MPs in Select committees are from the governing party. A This makes it difficult for them to scrutinise to their full extent as their career is on the line and they may be influenced by Party Loyalty. E The first argument is stronger as even if there is a party majority in Select committees, most people in the committee gets to ask so there is still scrutiny taking place P Role of the opposition- they are effective in holding the government to account --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E PMQs A PMQs give the opposition direct access to the PM and are able to directly ask the PM questions forcing himself to explain his decision and policies C However, it is very easy for the PM to deflect these questions and to not answer them E On Wednesday the 4^th^ Kemi asked Keir about the Transport secretary, and he responded by bringing up the £22 billion black hole A This takes away from the oppositions ability to properly scrutinise the government and hold them accountable as it wastes the limited time E Overall, the parliament are effective at holding the government to account because every Wednesday the opposition can question the PM. Sure they might deflect but it's up to the leader. In Conclusion, the argument that Parliament is effective at holding the government to account Is stronger than the argument that it doesn't. The counter has some merit as Parliament can become more of a shouting contest than a discussion however it is weaker as intense scrutiny takes place in the form of Select Committees, PMQ's and Ministerial Questions **[Political Parties 12/12/2024]** - Parties need to become Broadchurch **[The Conservative Party 16/12/2024]** Conservative Principles: - Tradition (e.g. Tax benefits for married couples by David Cameron) - Human Imperfection ("Life is Nasty, Brutish and short" e.g. Snoopers Charter which allowed data to be collected.) - Pragmatism (Sensible and small changes e.g. Eat out to Help out) -- Dogmatic (Ideological based changes e.g. Lizz Truss lowering tax) - Organic Society/State (society grows and changes over time e.g. David Cameron Gay Marriage Bill) - Libertarianism (freedom of individual from states intervention e.g. changing of Restrictions) - Acceptance that some need help - Noblesse Oblige (those that can afford to look after other people have a responsibility to help) - Slightly Larger state therefore more intervention - Post war consensus = government needs to help rebuild after the war - Margeret Thatcher - Neo Liberalism (economy, lower taxes and lower regulation) - Neo Conservatism (law and order) +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Policy Area | Manifesto | Successful or | One Nation or | | | | not? | New Right | +=================+=================+=================+=================+ | Economy | We will not | Unsuccessful as | New Right due | | | raise the rate | Covid led to | to lower taxes | | | of income tax, | Boris Johnson | | | | VAT or National | hesitantly | | | | Insurance. | raising taxes. | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Law and Order | 20,000 more | Successful as | New Right as it | | | police and | the government | is a | | | tougher | passed the | Law-and-order | | | sentencing for | Police, Crime, | issue, and it | | | criminals. | Sentencing and | stresses the | | | | Courts Act | importance | | | | 2022, which | | | | | included | | | | | provisions to | | | | | require certain | | | | | serious | | | | | offenders to | | | | | serve | | | | | two-thirds of | | | | | their sentence | | | | | before being | | | | | eligible for | | | | | parole | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Welfare | Extra funding | Partially | One Nation as | | | for the NHS, | unsuccessful as | it believes in | | | with 50,000 | Covid-19 | looking after | | | more nurses and | brought | the vulnerable | | | 50 million more | unpredictable | in society and | | | GP surgery | stresses on the | providing | | | appointments a | NHS | social justice. | | | year. | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Foreign Policy | extend the | Mostly | New Right and | | | diplomatic | successful as | One nation as | | | network, | Boris Johnson | it promotes | | | | managed to | trade which is | | | will | secure a decent | economically | | | reinvigorate | deal after | right and also | | | relationships | Brexit still | promotes | | | with | keeping | cohesion such | | | | relationships | as the One | | | Europe and seek | in place | Nation. | | | to strengthen | | | | | old and | | | | | | | | | | new | | | | | partnerships | | | | | across the | | | | | world. | | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ P: The Policy area of the Economy is reflected as New Right conservatism due to its effects. E: For example, the 2019 suggests that the party will not raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance. A: Therefore, this shows that this policy is more new right conservatism as it promises lower taxes for people which is a New right Idea of lower government intervention P: The Policy are of Welfare is more One Nation conservatism due to its social effects. E: In the manifesto it promised extra funding for the NHS, with 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more GP surgery appointments a year. A: Therefore, this shows that vulnerable people deserve help from the state which is a one nation conservative Idea Agree Disagree ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- Raising of a few taxes during covid Income tax was still not raised keeping their promise Didn't build as much prison rooms as promised 50,000 new police officers **[The Liberal Democrats 13/01/2025]** Orange book Liberals = more economically conservative. - The Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems), rooted in the historical Liberal Party, emerged in 1988 from a merger with the Social Democrat Party, positioning themselves as a centrist party advocating social justice and personal liberty. - Their significant influence peaked during the 2010 coalition government with the Conservatives, where they implemented progressive policies but faced backlash for breaking key promises, leading to a sharp decline in parliamentary representation by 2015. - The party\'s fortunes are closely tied to the UK\'s first-past-the-post voting system, which often marginalizes their support. However, recent by-election successes and local council gains suggest potential for growth, particularly among disenchanted Conservative voters in traditionally Tory areas. - With current political dynamics favouring similar policies between Labour and Conservatives, the Lib Dems may capitalize on this to increase their seat count in future elections, potentially regaining a balance of power role. 1. What happened to Jo Swinson? With only 11 Lib Dem MPs elected, not including her own constituency seat, she resigned the leadership. 2. Was the coalition government a positive experience for the Liberal Democrats? They could take part in new and good policies however they were criticized for leaving their traditional ideologies. They had tax wins and able to support freedom but they couldn't stop the rise of tuition fees and they went from 57 to 8 seats. 3. Did the 2024 general election pan out as predicted for the Lib Dems? They got many votes however due to the FPTP system; they didn't get the according seats. However, they became the third largest party. Joe Swinson is an example that bad leadership leads to low performing elections. The coalition government of 2010-2015 was a negative experience because the Lib Dems steered away from their roots. This is shown by engaging in a coalition with the conservative parties and they clearly agreed on many things. However it can be argued that the coalition was a good experience since they introduced many freedom policies such as the same-sex marriage act. But this argument has less merit because this was mostly a Lib Dem policy so even without the coalition it could have happened. Although there is evidence to support this, it doesn't take into account events such as the fake promise of lowering university fees which broke British politics. Therefore, it is clear that 2010-2015 coalition government was a negative experience for the Liberal Democrats. +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | Policy | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 Lib | Key | Key | | Area | Labour | Conservat | Dems | Similarit | differenc | | | | ives | | ies | es | +===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+ | Law and | A | Give | Investing | They want | The LD | | Order | specialis | every | in the | to | focus on | | | t | neighbour | criminal | increase | the | | | rape unit | hood | justice | the | criminal | | | in every | additiona | system to | presence | justice | | | police | l | tackle | of police | system | | | force | | the | officers | than | | | | police | backlog | in the | policing | | | | office by | of court | area. | | | | | recruitin | cases and | | | | | | g | ensure | | | | | | 8,000 | swift | | | | | | more | justice. | | | | | | | | | | | | | police | | | | | | | officers | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | Economy | Deliver | backing | Invest in | They want | The lib | | | economic | businesse | green | to | dems want | | | stability | s | infrastru | increase | to focus | | | with | to | cture, | innovatio | on their | | | tough | invest, | innovatio | n | climate | | | spending | innovate | n | and | policy | | | rules | and | and | promote | while the | | | | | skills to | growth | other | | | | trade; | boost | for | parties | | | | | economic | extended | focus on | | | | | growth | prosperit | businesse | | | | | and | y | s | | | | | create | across | and | | | | | good jobs | the | innovatio | | | | | and | United | n. | | | | | prosperit | Kingdom. | | | | | | y | | | | | | | in every | | | | | | | nation | | | | | | | and | | | | | | | region of | | | | | | | the UK, | | | | | | | while | | | | | | | tackling | | | | | | | the | | | | | | | climate | | | | | | | crisis. | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | Welfare | Recruit | From | Extend | They want | Labour | | | 6,500 new | September | free | to focus | wants to | | | expert | 2024, | school | on | focus on | | | teachers | eligible | meals to | children | education | | | in key | parents | all | and | while lib | | | subjects | | children | improving | dems want | | | | of | in | their | to | | | | children | poverty, | lives | install a | | | | between | with an | through | social | | | | nine | ambition | better | net for | | | | months | to extend | education | those who | | | | and two | them to | and | are | | | | | all | welfare | vulnerabl | | | | years old | primary | | e | | | | will also | school | | | | | | be able | children | | | | | | to access | when the | | | | | | 15 | public | | | | | | | finances | | | | | | hours | allow. | | | | | | free | | | | | | | childcare | | | | | | |. | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | Foreign | Unshakeab | We have | Stand | They want | Labour | | Policy | le | taken | with the | to secure | and the | | | commitmen | action to | people of | their | Conservat | | | t | prevent | Ukraine | defences | ives | | | to NATO | Iran and | and | to | want to | | | and our | | provide | prevent | strengthe | | | nuclear | its | them with | future | n | | | deterrent | proxies | the | attacks. | their | | | | from | support | | defence | | | | attacking | that they | | while LD | | | | the UK | need in | | wants to | | | | and its | the face | | stand | | | | | of | | with | | | | partners. | Putin's | | other | | | | | illegal | | countries | | | | | invasion. | |. | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ These three parties agree with each other more than they disagree even if they have different ideologies **[Minor Parties 16/01/25]** Things that make a party successful: - Influencing policy (UKIP) - Carries out manifesto only applies to party in power. - Being effective opposition (scrutiny) Functions of Parties: - Representation of regions and ideologies - Political Participation (disillusionment and reduction of trust in politicians) - Political Recruitment (predominantly for major parties) - Provide a government (only applicable to major parties) - Policy Formation (applies to mostly major parties however minor parties also have clear outlined policies which line with their ideologies) FPTP (First Past the Post): The MP with the most votes within the constituency wins the seat. You have to have concentrated support in order to win seats If votes are spread, success is low In 2019, The major parties got 75% of the votes but got 87% of the seats In 2024, The major parties got 56% of the votes and 81% of the seats. Minor Parties = Parties which do not form a government but influence policy Two Party System = Where there is two dominating parties and either each of them become the government Hung Parliament = parliament with no majority Balance of Power = refers to the distribution of political authority and influence among various components of the political system Electoral Impact = refers to how elections influence the composition, functioning, and dynamics of Parliament. FPTP = the MP with the most votes in the constituency wins the seat Preferential System = In a preferential voting system, voters rank candidates in order of preference Political Landscape = refers to the structure, dynamics, and characteristics of the country\'s political system, including its institutions, parties, ideologies, and the interactions between political actors and the electorate Referendum = a bill brought forward by a member of parliament Undoing = refers to the process of reversing, repealing, or amending legislation, policies, or decisions made by Parliament or the government. +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | For | Against | +===================================+===================================+ | P: Minor Parties are becoming | P: The first-past-the-post system | | more influential in the Uk | | | | represents a serious barrier for | | E: the 2017 general election | minor parties. | | ended with Theresa May and the | | | conservative party returned to | E: At the 2015 UK General | | government with the support of | Election the Scottish National | | the Democratic Unionist Party. | Party won 56 | | | | | | seats with only 4.7% of the vote | | | (or 1,454,436 votes) while UKIP, | | | on the other hand, | | | | | | won 12.6% of vote or 3,881,099 | | | votes, but only one seat | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | P: A hung parliament allows for | P: Some minor parties are | | balance of power which allows | discarded after getting their | | minor parties to influence the | policies through. | | government more effectively. | | | | E: Since Brexit won, there is | | E: The DUP only won ten seats in | little further reason | | 2017 and yet had a powerful | | | influence on the policy of the | to vote UKIP and UKIP lost its | | government | only seat in the House of Commons | | | | | | in 2017 | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | P: Minor parties like UKIP have | P: The rise of minor parties like | | exercised influence | UKIP and the SNP may | | | | | E: The successful | lead to the end of the United | | | Kingdom | | campaign for Britain to leave the | | | European Union, known as Brexit, | E: Their success may lead to | | appears to be the climax | their end as they are formed for | | | one purpose. | | of UKIP's agenda. | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ The strongest argument from the source that suggests that minor parties are able to influence governments is that a Hung Parliament allows for balance of power which allows minor parties to influence the government more effectively. For example, The Democratic Unionist Party only won ten seats in 2017 and yet had a powerful influence on the government. This shows that minor parties, even ones with a low volume of seats in Parliament can effectively influence government policy as they can slim the conservative's majority by splitting votes. However, a weaker argument from the source that suggests that minor parties are not affective is that the first past the post system represents a serious barrier for minor parties. For example, the source outlines that at the 2015 UK General Election the Scottish National Party won 56 seats with only 4.7% of the vote (or 1,454,436 votes) while UKIP, on the other hand, won 12.6% of vote or 3,881,099 votes, but only one seat. This shows that the FPTP system highlights the disproportionality of the UK election systems which are detrimental to the UK minor parties. Overall, The counterpoint is ultimately weaker as even if a minor party does not win many seats, they can still influence the major parties just like the DUP with only one seat Notebook.lm **[20/01/2025]** 1. The two-party system is fragmenting because it makes it so that minor parties do not receive as much seats and also most other parties are forgotten about 2. Holding a balance of power and influencing government policies 3. FPTP means that seats are competitive and for minor parties whose votes are spread out, it is a low success rate. Why small parties fail Why small parties don't fail --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They Lack funding which makes it harder for them to campaign. Green party raised only £200,000 in 2019 compared to the £19m spent by the conservatives. May find wealthy Benefactors which can help fund their campaign. Reform UK courting a big donation from Elon Musk The electoral system may discriminate against them as people see it as a wasted vote. FPTP means votes are wasted. PR helps small parties in devolved nations as fewer votes are wasted and this increases votes. SNP have dominated Scottish parliament for the last 15 years. They Lack media exposure which does not built momentum which leads to reduced votes Charismatic leader can gain media support who wins the support of the people of the country. Farage has record number of Question Time appearances. **[Party Funding 23/01/2025]** **Membership fees** = perfectly legal but useless if you don't have enough members **Fundraising =** Can increase support along the way however it depends on the media coverage **Individual Donations =** can benefit from wealthier supporters however if you don't have many supporters this is an issue. **Loans =** Instant cash injection however they need to follow them back **Organizational Donations =** It is a huge cash injection however it may be seen as controversial. **Self-Financing =** can prevent corruption allegations however funds are limited **Up to £2 million in grants from the electoral commission including short money =** Helpful to smaller parties however larger parties are favoured with bigger donations. **Cash for honours scandal** = 2006 several men nominated for life peers were rejected by HoL and it was later revealed that they had loaned large amounts of money to the governing labour party. Suspicion was aroused by some that the peerages were quid pro quo for the loans this resulted in three complaints to the metropolitan police. It was later decided that loans would be subject to the same rules as donations and spending limits for parties were revised in the run up to the 2010 election. **Why these things are controversial:** - Dominance of main parties = they receive the most donations allowing them to campaign more effectively - Influence = Some donors expect some kind of political return for their donations. - Moral Ambiguity = this can be seen in the cash for honours scandal - The decline in Party Membership = due to this there is more reliance on donors - Undemocratic form of influence = there has been criticisms that affiliated trade unions are not clear of that membership's dues, also include a contribution to the Labour Party. **State Funding of parties yes, or no?** **Argument** **Counter** **Evaluation** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parties have an Important role to play in society. Funding for parties will help ensure they are able to develop policies and provide, providing more effective government opposition. Parties in receipt of state funding may lose their independence. State funding is likely to come with conditions which could in effect regulate the political views and position of parties risking democracy. The argument is stronger as it means that even minor parties can influence policy and represent their views close to the influence of larger parties which makes parliament more democratic. Funding of parties would help create a more level playing field particularly for smaller parties which gives them an opportunity to have election based on policies not wealth. Deciding which parties are funded and by how much will lead to further problems and this may make it more difficult for newer parties to emerge and make their presence. The argument is stronger as it means that major parties and minor parties are more equal which makes it more about ideas and policy than necessarily finance. The counter argument is not strong as parties can receive funding based on seats so its equalised. State funding would help to limit the influence of big donors which would prevent donors seeking favours in return of their donation. Funding political parties could isolate them from the wish of voters as parties would not see the need to interact with their members if they are already receiving donations from the state The counter argument is stronger as members normally donate to the party so they would listen to them and their views and state funding removes this and the argument is not strong as regulations can be put in place and these cases will be exposed if corruption takes place. - 10% of tory fundraising since 2001 has come from just 10 individual donors - Cap individual donations - Limit parties spending - Restrict donations to individuals - Replace all donations with state funding. **Proposed solution** **Advantages** **Disadvantages** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Impose restrictions on the size of individual donations to parties. Prevents people from making huge donations which makes the playing field uneven. Could be seen as election rigging as some parties rely on individual donations. Impose tight restrictions on how much parties are allowed to spend. Makes sure that some parties don't overspend making the election unfair Makes it more unfair that parties can't spend what they want. Limits freedom Restrict donations to individuals rather than businesses, pressure groups and trade unions Means that companies cannot be associated with parties which makes the economy bipartisan Means that some parties such as Labour lose out on donations such as from trade unions Replace all funding with state grants for parties. Means that minor parties have an equal chance to influence policy. Would increase government spending and also a lack of engagement of voters The best solution is that we restrict donations to purely individuals as it means that it is the citizens of the countries that are voting and the other solutions would lead to an increase in government spending, infringe on people's rights and also could be viewed as election rigging. **[UK Parties in Context 27/01/2025]** - Is the UK a two party or a multi-party system? - In a way it is a two-party system as the FPTP election system prevents minor parties from making a large impact - In another way it is a multi-party system as there are many parties in Parliament who can influence policy. - Which Factors have the biggest impact on party success? - Strong Leadership - Media Coverage - Resonance with the public - Smaller parties don't matter (less representative) - Mistakes could be made (lack of scrutiny and accountability) - Big Majorities equals an elective dictatorship - Limit on voter choice discourages engagement **Labour 2024 case study (Keir Starmer)** Experience: Experienced public sector worker, head of the CPS Valance: Long time since Labour was last in office and now a sense of Nostalgia with New Labour Unity: The labour party wanted to show themselves as a sensible party more than an ideology driven one like under Corbyn. Media: Starmer spent a lot of energy wooing the media, including private meetings with Rupert Murdoch. Endorsement of Starmer from media outlet and came out well in televised debates. **Conservative 2024 Case Study (Rishi Sunak)** Valance = they had previously been in government for the last 14 years, so the public had low support for them especially for Rishi Sunak as he was seen as very economically right wing. Unity = The conservative party is very divided as they have different views even with many different leaderships, but Rishi Sunak was elected by his party to be leader. Media = Most media outlets portray him in a negative light even right-wing media outlets such as GB News. He has done numerous interviews with various News Channels and fundraising events. Quality of Leadership = he was able to deal decently with the issues given as he was dealt a bad hand and he improved the economy as much as he could even with low public popularity. Intelligence = He is very intelligent as he went to top universities and managed to become a chancellor. **Liberal Democrats 2024 Case Study (Ed Davey)** Valance = They have never been in power but they resonate the public opinion that the two major parties are not providing the public with what they really want. He has used this to present LD as a plausible option Unity = There are orange book liberals and standard ones but they both agreed that Ed Davey was the best option for leader, bringing opposing views together. Media = The Media coverage of him is quite low but positive also with his public stunts which gain a lot of attention. Quality of Leadership = He is a good leader with strong policies such as water quality however serious public voters may disagree with his informal manner and unserious public stunts which do not even link to his policies Ability to Lead = He has ample support from his own party which deems him a capable leader. Intelligence = He went to a good university with a decent degree and he has experience within community service as he had many sudden losses within his family