Summary
Summary Political Parties Content Recap
- Module
- Component 1
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Recap of Political Party topic, covering key terms and concepts helping you get a better understanding of the unit!
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KEY TERMS- POPULISM → A political movement and way of campaigning that appeals to people;s
emotions and prejudices by telling them what they want to do. E.g. UKIP’s claim to take
our country back
- OLD LABOUR → the traditional Labour policies such as nationalisation, redistribution
of income and wealth and an extended public sector that were rejected by the New
Labour approach.
- NEW LABOUR →The term “New” Labour was first mentioned in 1994 by Tony Blair at
the Labour Party Conference. Under the influence of the sociologist Anthony Giddens,
who believed that it was important to find a “third way” between Thatcherism and
traditional socialism.
- ONE NATION → advocates the preservation of established institutions and traditional
principles within a political democracy, in combination with social and economic
programmes designed to benefit the ordinary person.
- NEW RIGHT → New-Right conservatism is a marriage of neo-liberal and
neo-conservative ideas, and includes elements of both neo-liberal and
neo-conservative thinking.The New Right is both economically libertarian and socially
authoritarian.
- CLASSICAL LIBERALS → Classical liberalism is a philosophy developed by the early
liberals who believed that individual freedom is best achieved by the government
playing only a minimal role in people's lives.
- MODERN LIBERALS → Modern liberalism emerged as a reaction against free-market
capitalism, believing this had led to many individuals not being free. Freedom could no
longer simply be defined as ‘being left alone’
2.1 POLITICAL PARTIES
● THE FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE UK’S
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
FEATURES FUNCTIONS
- Members share similar views - Making policy (aggregation)
politically - Representation (populist approach
- Parties seek either to secure the for mass appeal)
election of their candidates as - Selecting candidates
representation or to form - Identifying leaders
government at various levels - Contesting elections
- Some kind of organisation that - Political education
develops policy, recruits, - Reinforcing consent
candidates and identifies leader
● HOW PARTIES ARE CURRENTLY FUNDED, DEBATES ON THE CONSEQUENCES
OF THE CURRENT FUNDING SYSTEM
Membership Dues - In 2014 membership income was 23% of Green Party income, 15% of
Labour Party income, 9% of Liberal Democrat Party income but just 2% of Conservative Party
income.
Individual Donations - Parties may receive financial contributions from individual supporters.
These donations can vary in size and may be subject to disclosure requirements.
Corporate Donations - Some political parties receive donations from corporations or
businesses. The permissibility and limits of corporate donations depend on the laws of the
specific country.
, Trade Unions and Interest Groups - In some countries, political parties may receive financial
support from trade unions or interest groups aligned with their ideologies.
Government Funding - As well as this funding, the Electoral Commission allocates £2m a year
to the parties to help them develop policies for inclusion in their election manifestos.
Fundraising Events - Parties often organise fundraising events, such as dinners, galas, or
rallies, to raise money. Supporters purchase tickets to attend these events, and the proceeds go
to the party.
Campaign Loans - Political parties may take out loans to finance their campaigns. These loans
are expected to be repaid, often using funds raised after an election.
Crowdfunding - With the rise of online platforms, political parties may engage in crowdfunding
campaigns to gather small donations from a large number of individuals.
2.2 ESTABLISHED POLITICAL PARTIES
● THE ORIGINS AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY,
LABOUR PARTY, AND THE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARTY
CONSERVATISM
Origins and Tories (17th-18th centuries):
- Defender of hierarchy, ruling elite, monarchy and the church of England
- Emerged from the Tories, a political faction in the late 17th century
- Originally associated with Royalist support and opposition to radical change
- Evolved in the 19th century under leaders like Sir Robert Peel
- Associated with traditionalism, monarchy support, and gradual reform
Disraeli and One-Nation Conservatism (19th century):
- Benjamin Disraeli introduced One-Nation Conservatism, emphasising social cohesion and
paternalism (aimed to bridge the gap between rich and poor)
- Patriotic foreign policy was followed to create national pride and shared economic benefit
- Pragmatic approach that mixed free market with labour policies of state intervention and
welfare
Twentieth Century Onward:
- Thatcherism = New right ideology involving cutting public spending and taxes,
privatisation of industries, introduction of competition, reduction of TU power, tough lines
on Law and Order, strong foreign policy (Falklands War), eurosceptic
- John Mayor attempts to soften thatcherism but continued privatisation but ultimately failed
in election against Blair
- Cameron de-tocify the party taking on Liberal conservative approach with social policies
such as the legalisation of gay marriage
- May aimed for a strong and stable govt but Brexit chaos overshadowed this
- Johnson faced Brexit, Covid can somewhat be considered one nation but also tough on
law on order (⅔ cabinet private educated showing traditional conservatism)
LABOUR
Formation (Late 19th Century):
- Founded in 1900 in the United Kingdom from socialist groups formed by trade unions
- 94% of LRC (labour representation committee) came from affiliated trade unions
- First labour MP was Keir Hardy (rare to have w/c MP)
- 1918 party wrote constitution Clause IV committing the party to socialism such as
common ownership and redistribution of wealth
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