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Party Systems

Traditionally the UK has a two party system

• Initially Tories and Liberals
• 1918 to 1945 coalition governments -a multi party system
• growth of Labour party
• 20’s and 30’s instability for several reasons. Tories only dominant party. Coalition because of First World War, economic crisis (Wall Street crash) and Second World War

It can be argued that two party system isn’t entirely true because there are different parties forming in Northern Ireland and also the formation of the SNP and Plaid Cymru. However at this time these were not of much significance.

Can argue for a two party system from 45 to end of 60s as only Labour and Conservative dominate.

• Labour won landslide election victory
• Parties received majority of votes. Those who voted voted for them.
• There were high levels of party affiliation. People defined themselves as one or the other.
• Parties had steady membership
• Mirrored class system as working class voted Labour.

The party system was mirrored by party government. During this period there was single party government and stable government. There was a large measure of post war consensus resulting in agreement on the welfare state and law and order.

However during this time there was not a true two party system. Other small parties were in existence across the country. SNP, Plaid Cymru and a variety of parties in Northern Ireland

More instability 70-79

• Liberal upsurge
• Dramatic changes in society
• Disillusionment with parties
• Growing union militancy- the unions were putting pressure on parties
• Growth of nationalism in Scotland and Wales

These factors were reflected in the polls. There were four elections in 10 years with two in 74 as Labour couldn’t gain a majority. Therefore elections aren’t producing strong government. Party government is breaking down highlighted by the unofficial Lib-Lab coalition. There were more votes for parties other than the two main parties and a break down in party affiliation.

Changes again 79-92

• Dominant party system. Conservatives dominate so not even a two party system.
• Labour appears unelectable during this period.
  • entryism-militant group join on to Labour party.
  • 1983 Labour manifesto is very extreme and out of touch
  • Right wing broke away to form SDP (social democratic party).
  • Together with Liberals they form the Alliance and in the 1983
  • took nearly the same share of the vote. Seemed like a three
  • party system however the electoral system worked against them

Multi-party in country but still dominant party government

Change at beginning of 90s

• Major not as strong
• Smith in charge of Labour-transforms the party.

Although Labour don’t win at election there is a return to two party politics. However there are many other parties so in reality this is untrue.

There are two dominant parties at Westminster but the Lib Dems are getting stronger and nationalist parties are gaining seats at elections. Therefore in parts of the country there is a multiparty system.

Now have dominant party system with Labour 97-05 however Labour is becoming less dominant in terms of share of the vote. Conservatives and Lib Dems also gaining large share of votes.

Northern Ireland and Party System

• As a result of the party system and how it worked a sectarian divide occurred.
• Post the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) no longer has party government. Instead there was power sharing but now Westminster rules again.
• More new parties
• Extreme/Moderate parties
  • Sinn Fein abstention party. It won’t take its seats at Westminster.
  • Neutral parties-Alliance
• Share of vote has changed within bloc and between blocs.
  • More extreme DUP have majority of seats and UUP have one. It used to be the other way round.
  • People think that UUP have let there be too many concessions so have voted DUP
• British government must negotiate with parties.

WAS A TWO BY TWO PARTY SYSTEM BUT NOW MORE TWO PARTY SYSTEM WITH THE TWO EXTREME PARTIES.

Comments

These notes are aimed at people studying for Edexcel A Level Government and Politics, unit 6A.

Originally submitted by happydinosaur on TSR Forums.