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Essay Plans - Government and politics in the UK
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Political PartiesExplain and analyse 3 arguments for/against the UK as a multi-party state. (9)
P – representation.
Ex – of diverse political viewpoints, needs of citizens addressed, > dominant political party ones.
Ev – Green environment focus, UKIP against EU, Brexit Party reform single-issue.
An – instability, political gridlock, difficult to form stable coalitions. Cameron-Clegg coalition.
P – greater choice,
Ex – 2 party, forced between lesser of 2 evils. > party that closely align with their values/beliefs.
Ev – Green party, forced Tories and Lb to adopt environmental concerns, eaten into Lab vote.
An – lack of a clear mandate, no clear majority of the vote, Brexit Cons not supported by DUP.
P – increased accountability.
Ex – power is divided amongst multiple parties, difficult to ignore concerns and needs of people.
Ev – SNP, most successful, forced Lab and Tory to listen devolved powers and independence ref.
An – increased polarisation, aims of SNP conflict w/ parliamentary sovereignty, blocked 2 nd ref.
Explain and analyse 3 arguments for the influence of ordinary members. (9)
P – promotes grassroots activism.
Ex – voice/role policy/strategy promote civic engagement, more inclusive & representative politics.
Ev – Cons. Adopting same-sex marriage in 2013, driven by pressure from ordinary party members.
An – factionalism/hostility, different forms of activisms, SNP’s infighting over independence.
P – enhances democratic legitimacy.
Ex – demonstrate responsive to needs/desires electorate, great trust & confidence.
Ev – People’s vote campaign pro-EU, LD, reenergised party to see successes in 2019.
An – far-right extremism, ordinary members UKIP drive anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
P – brings new perspectives/ideas.
Ex –attuned to concerns/priorities, experiences inform policy/strategy, effective solutions.
Ev – electing Corbyn 2015, LW views & anti-establishment stance resonated, move from centrist.
An – antisemitism 2018, driven by ordinary party members, comments on social media.
Explain and analyse 3 criticisms of leadership election. (9)
P – lack of accountability.
Ex – elected by party members > public, less accountable, pursue narrow policies/strategies.
Ev – Cons leadership election 2022, voters felt annoyance it was out of their hands.
An – inclusivity/diversity, Lib dem leadership election 2017, open, transparent w/ diversity.
, Political Parties
P – limited participation.
Ex – small proportion, views of a small/unrepresentative group determine direction of party.
Ev – UKIP leadership election 2017, dominated by far-right voices, eventual winner forced to resign.
An – engaging party members/supporters, SNP leadership election 2014, high participation.
P – factionalism/division.
Ex – parties divided along ideological/factional lines; leadership elections become battlegrounds.
Ev – Lab leadership election 2016, criticised for being divisive, Corbyn leadership infighting/division.
An – selects leaders who are well-suited, Lab leadership election demonstrated the potential to
engage large numbers of party members & supporters.
Explain and analyse 3 criticisms of the policy making process. (9)
P – lack of transparency and public involvement.
Ex – behind closed doors, limited input, policies that are not in the best interests of the public.
Ev – Grenfell Tower Inquiry 2017, criticised for lack of transparency.
An – are examples of consultation and engagement, citizen’s assembly 2019 on climate change.
P – limited accountability.
Ex –ministers/civil servants, significant power to shape policy, not subject to same scrutiny.
Ev – Brexit negotiations, concerned raised over the lack of transparency in the negotiations.
An – flexible and adaptable, COVID-19 response, highly dynamic, introduced lockdowns/tier systems.
P – influence of interest groups.
Ex – problematic, significant financial/political power, shape to benefit themselves > public.
Ev – 2012, gov criticised for meeting with tobacco lobbyists to discuss plain packaging laws.
An – evidence-based decision making, education policy in UK, introduced phonics-based reading in
schools based on research.
Explain and analyse 3 functions of a political party. (9)
P – representation.
Ex – aim to provide a voice for different groups in society, advocate for policies reflecting them.
Ev – Lab party reflect the interests of workers & Tus, recently minority communities.
An – fail to represent diverse interests, Cons party criticised, predominantly white, male & UC.
P – electoral competition.
Ex – provide voters with a choice between diff policy platforms/leadership style
Ev – 2019. GE, significant comp between 2 main parties over issue of Brexit.
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