UK Politics Revision Notes - Final Exam PDF

UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Chapter 1: UK General Election 2024 Accroche : … 1. Low Voter Turnout and Apathy Record Low Turnout: Turnout was the lowest since 2021, re ecting widespread voter disillusionment. ◦ Disengagement was driven...

UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Chapter 1: UK General Election 2024 Accroche : … 1. Low Voter Turnout and Apathy Record Low Turnout: Turnout was the lowest since 2021, re ecting widespread voter disillusionment. ◦ Disengagement was driven by a lack of con dence in the political class and dissatisfaction with party leadership. Legitimacy of Democracy: Such low participation undermines the legitimacy of the results, raising broader questions about the e ectiveness of the UK’s democratic system. 2. Conservative Party Collapse Historic Defeat: Conservatives lost 250 seats, marking one of the worst electoral performances in modern history. Leadership Instability: Boris Johnson’s resignation following scandals & Liz Truss’s as the shortest-serving Prime Minister. Scandals and Policy Failures: The public associated the Conservatives with unethical behavior, economic instability and inconsistent policies, alienating traditional voters. Conservative Leadership Chronology 3. Labour’s Landslide Victory Unexpected Strength: Labour won 63% of parliamentary seats despite earning only 34% of the popular vote, a striking example of the FPTP system’s disproportionality. Shift from 2019: The 2024 victory reversed Labour’s poor performance in 2019 and ended ve years of Conservative dominance. Page 1 sur 11   fi fi ff fl  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Labour capitalized on public frustration with the Conservative government’s scandals, economic mismanagement and leadership turnover. 4. Impact of the FPTP System Disproportionate Outcomes: ◦ Reform UK: Secured 14% of votes but only 0.8% of seats. ◦ Green Party: 7% of votes translated into just 0.6% of seats. Implications: ◦ FPTP favors larger parties like Labour and Conservatives while marginalizing smaller ones. ◦ The system perpetuates imbalances, raising calls for electoral reform. 5. Regional Shifts and Dynamics Scotland: Labour regained dominance over the SNP, as dissatisfaction with the SNP’s handling of Brexit and independence debates grew. Northern Ireland: The DUP faced signi cant losses, re ecting shifts in voter priorities and frustrations with the Northern Ireland Protocol. Broader Implications 1. Challenges for Labour Labour must navigate governance challenges to translate electoral success into long-term public trust. 2. Future of the Conservatives The Conservative Party faces a crisis of identity and strategy, needing to rebuild its reputation, policies, and leadership. 3. Electoral Reform The disproportionate outcomes reignited debates about whether the UK should transition to a more proportional electoral system to enhance representation. Chapter 2: Devolution in the UK Accroches : In 2020, Boris Johnson told a virtual meeting of Conservative MPs that devolution had been a « disaster » in Scotland. Devolution is “the thin edge of the wedge that will destroy national identity”. Enoch Powell 1. De nition and Purpose What is Devolution? ◦ The transfer of legislative powers to regional governments while Westminster retains control over core areas like defense and foreign policy. Objective: Address regional demands for autonomy and enhance local governance without granting full independence. 2. Historical Milestones Scotland: ◦ The 1997 Referendum led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament under the Scotland Act 1998. ◦ Powers include education, healthcare, and justice. Page 2 sur 11  fi  fi fl  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES ◦ The 2014 independence referendum, with 55.3% voting to remain in the UK, temporarily reduced nationalist ambitions, but Brexit reignited demands for independence. Wales: ◦ The Welsh Assembly was established in 1998 with limited powers, later expanded after a 2011 referendum. Northern Ireland: ◦ The Good Friday Agreement (1998) created a power-sharing Assembly, addressing decades of con ict. ◦ Political instability has frequently disrupted governance, with Brexit further straining relations. 3. Brexit’s Impact on Devolution Scotland: Brexit contradicted Scottish voters’ preference to remain in the EU, fueling independence debates. Northern Ireland: The Northern Ireland Protocol exacerbated tensions, particularly among unionists who felt betrayed by the arrangement. 4. Asymmetrical Devolution Scotland enjoys greater autonomy compared to Wales and Northern Ireland, creating perceptions of inequality. Broader Implications 1. Nationalism and Independence Movements Scottish nationalism, led by the SNP, remains a potent force, with renewed demands for another independence referendum. In Northern Ireland, Brexit has strengthened calls for reuni cation with the Republic of Ireland. 2. Unity vs. Federalism The current devolution system faces criticism for its lack of coherence. Federalism, which grants equal autonomy to all regions, is seen by some as a potential solution. 3. Future of the Union Devolution has both strengthened regional representation and fueled divisions, leaving the UK’s future as a uni ed state uncertain. Devolution vs. Federalism: The UK’s asymmetrical devolution system contrasts with federal models, leaving unresolved tensions. Chapter 3 : Party Politics (1990-2014) Accroche : « All politics is ideological » (Seliger, 1976) 1. The Labour Party Origins and Early Ideology: ◦ Founded to represent working-class interests, Labour championed trade unions, public ownership and social justice. New Labour (1997–2010): Page 3 sur 11   fl fi fi  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES ◦ Tony Blair’s leadership introduced the "Third Way" blending market economics with social policies. ◦ This centrist shift helped Labour appeal to middle-class voters but alienated its traditional working-class base. Recent Developments: ◦ Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour moved sharply left, advocating for wealth redistribution and public ownership. ◦ Current leader Keir Starmer seeks to reposition Labour as a centrist, pragmatic party capable of governing. ◦ The Labour Party consists of two main ideological factions: Corbynists, who favor socialist policies and greater state intervention, and Social Democrats, who advocate for moderate reforms within a capitalist framework. 2. The Conservative Party Historical Ideology: ◦ Rooted in traditionalism, the Conservative Party historically focused on preserving institutions, gradual reform and a hierarchical social order. One Nation Conservatism : ◦ Founded by Benjamin Disraeli, emphasizes social cohesion and reducing disparities between classes. ◦ Balances free-market policies with state intervention to protect the vulnerable. Thatcherism : ◦ Margaret Thatcher’s leadership rede ned Conservatism in the 1980s, emphasizing neoliberal economics, privatization and reduced state intervention. ◦ The New Right: Merged neoliberal economic policies (free markets, privatization) with socially conservative values. ◦ Thatcherism introduced a more market-driven, individualistic ethos, shifting the party further from its "One Nation Conservatism" roots. Page 4 sur 11   fi  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES ◦ The Conservative Party is often associated with the Tories, emphasizing traditional conservative values, and historically linked to the Whigs, who eventually evolved into the Liberal Party. 3. Rise of Smaller Parties Scottish National Party (SNP): Dominates Scottish politics, advocating for independence and opposing Conservative austerity measures. ◦ The SNP has leveraged dissatisfaction with Westminster to consolidate power in Scotland. Reform UK: Emerged from UKIP, championing Brexit and right-wing populism. ◦ It has struggled to gain representation under the FPTP system despite a notable voter base. Green Party: Focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice, gaining traction among younger, progressive voters. Changing Voter Behavior 1. Decline of Traditional Loyalties: Voter alignment with class-based party identities has weakened, re ecting a shift towards issue-based voting. Electoral volatility has increased, with signi cant swings between elections. 2. Impact of Brexit: Brexit polarized the electorate, rede ning party a liations along pro- or anti-EU lines. It also highlighted regional di erences, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 3. Role of Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have ampli ed populist rhetoric and reshaped voter engagement. Politicians’ personal branding now plays a larger role in campaigns, as seen with gures like Boris Johnson. Broader Implications 1. Fragmentation of the Two-Party System: The rise of nationalist and issue-focused parties challenges Labour and Conservative dominance. However, FPTP limits smaller parties’ parliamentary in uence despite their growing vote shares. 2. Future of Party Politics: Both major parties must address internal divisions and adapt to changing voter priorities to remain relevant. Calls for electoral reform may gain traction as dissatisfaction with FPTP grows. Chapter 4 : Thatcherism (1979–1990) Accroche : « Where there is discord, may we bring harmony » Margaret Thatcher Page 5 sur 11 fi   ff fi fi fi ffi fl fl  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES The New Right motto is « Redistribution is theft, taxation is forced labour » Thatcherism remains one of the most in uential political ideologies in modern British history. Its principles—free-market economics, individualism and reduced state intervention—shaped the Conservative Party and left a lasting imprint on British society. 1. Economic Policies: Privatization: ◦ Thatcher privatized industries such as British Airways, British Telecom and British Gas, aiming to increase e ciency and reduce government expenditure. ◦ These policies strengthened the economy but increased wealth inequalities. Deregulation: ◦ Financial markets were deregulated, culminating in the "Big Bang" of 1986, which transformed London into a global nancial hub. Tax Reforms: ◦ Corporate and individual taxes were cut, encouraging investment but decreasing funding for public services. 2. Welfare Reforms: Critique of the Welfare State: ◦ Thatcher viewed the welfare state as fostering dependency, coining the term "Nanny State." Reforms: ◦ Bene ts were reduced and unemployment aid eligibility tightened. ◦ Policies like the Housing Act (1980) promoted homeownership but worsened housing shortages. 3. Social Conservatism: Thatcher was deeply critical of the cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s, which she perceived as undermining traditional British values. Impact and Criticism 1. Economic Divide: Her policies deepened regional and class disparities, particularly between London and industrial regions in the North. 2. Weakening of Organized Labor: The 1984–1985 Miners’ Strike exempli ed Thatcher’s determination to curb union power, permanently altering labor relations. 3. Cultural Shift: Thatcherism promoted competition and individualism, reshaping British society’s values. Broader Implications Legacy in the Conservative Party: ◦ Thatcherism remains a foundation of Conservative ideology, though its signi cance is questioned in post-Brexit Britain. Critics’ Perspective: Page 6 sur 11  fi  ffi fi fi fl fi  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES ◦ Critics argue Thatcherism prioritized economic growth at the expense of social cohesion and public welfare. Chapter 5 : Liberalism Accroche : … Liberalism as an Ideology 1. Core Principles Individual Liberty: Freedom of thought, speech and action within the bounds of law. Rule of Law: The belief that all individuals, regardless of status, are subject to the same legal framework. Equality of Opportunity: Advocating for systems that enable all individuals to achieve their potential. Free Markets: Support for private property and minimal government interference in economic matters. 2. Evolution of Liberal Thought Classical Liberalism (1776–1870) : ◦ Rooted in the Enlightenment, focusing on limiting government power and protecting individual freedoms. ◦ Negative Freedom: Freedom is guaranteed by the absence of state intervention (Laissez-faire policies). ◦ Key Thinkers : Adam Smith & John Stuart Mill New Liberalism (1870–1945) : ◦ Emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution’s social inequalities. ◦ Advocates for welfare provisions and government intervention to ensure basic standards of living. ◦ Positive Freedom: Freedom includes opportunities provided by the state, such as education and welfare. ◦ Expanded rights in areas such as labor laws and social services, blending economic and social justice. ◦ Key Thinker : Hobbes Neo-Liberalism (1970–1990) : ◦ Revives classical liberal ideas but adapts them to modern contexts. ◦ Dominant under Margaret Thatcher in the UK Key Principles: ◦ Minimal state intervention in the economy; focus on privatization and free markets. ◦ Deregulation to enhance competitiveness. ◦ Emphasis on individual responsibility over collective welfare. 3. Critiques of Liberalism Economic Liberalism: Critics argue that laissez-faire policies increase economic inequality and erode public welfare. Page 7 sur 11    UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Social Liberalism (= New liberalism) : Balancing individual freedoms with collective needs (e.g., taxation for welfare) often sparks ideological debates. Liberalism as a Political Organization 1. The Liberal Party (1859–1988) Formation and Early Dominance: ◦ Founded to unify Whigs, Peelites (faction of the Conservative Party led by Robert Peel) and radicals into a single reform-oriented party. ◦ Advocated for free trade, parliamentary reform and non-conformist religious freedoms. Key Achievements: ◦ Enacted transformative legislation, such as the Representation of the People Act 1918, expanding su rage. ◦ Established the foundations of the welfare state, including old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. 2. Decline and Rebranding Post-World War I: The rise of Labour and internal divisions over issues like Irish Home Rule led to the Liberal Party’s decline. Formation of the Liberal Democrats (1988): ◦ A merger between the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party aimed to create a centrist alternative to Labour and Conservatives. 3. The Liberal Democrats Today Policy Focus: ◦ Championing civil liberties, environmental sustainability and electoral reform (e.g., advocating for proportional representation). ◦ Opposing Brexit, positioning itself as the pro-European Union party in recent elections. Challenges Under FPTP: ◦ The First Past the Post system limits the party’s parliamentary representation, despite signi cant voter support. Analytical Insights 1. Liberalism’s Ideological Legacy Its principles remain in uential across party lines, re ected in Conservative and Labour policies. Conservatives embrace free-market economics and individualism (e.g., privatization, property rights). Labour, in uenced by social liberalism, focuses on equality and welfare (e.g., NHS, anti-discrimination laws), balancing market freedom with social support. Contemporary Figures Rishi Sunak ◦ Initially presented as a one-nation conservative. ◦ As PM, associated with Thatcherite policies, but this remains debatable. ◦ Self-described as a "Fiscal Conservative," advocating for a small state and lower taxes. Page 8 sur 11   fl fi ff fl fl  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Keir Starmer ◦ Not a neoliberal but accepts capitalism. ◦ Distances himself from socialism, contrasting with Corbyn. ◦ Released 10 pledges in 2020, signaling trade union support and more traditional Labour values. ◦ For the 2024 General Election, Labour's manifesto shifted towards economic centrism, closer to traditional Labour platforms but accused of betraying his earlier pledges. Chapter 6 : Vision of Britain in the World Accroche : « Churchill was called the father of Europe but he was also the father of misunderstandings » (Young, 1998) « Look at the Far East, to the Middle East today, to anywhere where Britain once held sway […] as dangerous and uncertain a place as ever in which to walk alone. » M. Thatcher Historical Context 1. Imperial Legacy: The British Empire: ◦ Once the world’s largest empire, Britain held signi cant economic and political power. ◦ Decolonization in the mid-20th century marked the transition from empire to Commonwealth. Commonwealth of Nations: ◦ A voluntary association of 56 countries, promoting cooperation in trade, education, and culture. ◦ The Commonwealth retains symbolic signi cance, though its geopolitical impact is limited. 2. Decline as a Superpower: Post-World War II, Britain ceded its position as a global superpower to the United States. Economic challenges and the loss of empire diminished its ability to project in uence, though it remains a nuclear power and permanent member of the UN Security Council. Britain’s Global Strategy 1. Special Relationship with the United States: A close alliance encompassing military, political, and economic dimensions. Winston Churchill, used it in a 1946 speech to emphasize the unique cultural and political ties between the two nations after WWII. Military Alignment: Britain has often aligned with the US in military interventions, including the Gulf War (1990–1991) and the Iraq War (2003). The UK is sometimes criticized for following US policy too closely, as seen with Blair's support for Bush during the Iraq War. Economic Cooperation: Close trade and nancial ties reinforce the partnership. Page 9 sur 11 fl   fi fi fi  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Cultural A nity: Shared language, values, and historical connections underlie the relationship. 2. Role in NATO and Defense: Commitment to Collective Security: As a leading NATO member, Britain plays a crucial role in European and transatlantic defense strategies. Nuclear Deterrence: Britain maintains its nuclear arsenal as part of its defense policy. 3. Soft Power: Cultural In uence: ◦ Britain wields signi cant soft power through its media, education and global cultural exports. Monarchy as a Symbol: ◦ The royal family enhances Britain’s global image, attracting tourism and media attention. ◦ Monarchy vs Republicanism ◦ The monarchy symbolizes tradition and unity but faces criticism for being outdated and unequal. ◦ Republicanism advocates for an elected head of state to replace hereditary privilege. Modern Challenges 1. Economic Realities: Post-Brexit economic disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic have strained Britain’s resources. The nation faces challenges in maintaining its global trade competitiveness. 2. Brexit and Geopolitical Isolation: Shift Away from Europe: ◦ Brexit signaled Britain’s retreat from European integration, complicating its relationships with EU member states. 3. Internal Fragmentation: Rising nationalism in Scotland and Northern Ireland undermines Britain’s image as a cohesive global actor. Méthode Commentaire : Accroche citation + accroche contextuelle : historique ou mémorielle Présentation de l’auteur : pertinence, attention au anachronisme (véri er par rapport au moment de la publication du texte) Identi cation du texte : genre, source (journal ≠ newspaper) Bref résumé du texte : contextualisation (très important) Contextualisation in 2 steps : Immediate context - More general context Problématique + plan Page 10 sur 11  fi  ffi fl fi fi  UK POLITICS: REVIEW NOTES Page 11 sur 11