Unit 1 – Key Definitions

Political Party An organisation that develops a set of political goals and policies, which it seeks to convert into political action by obtaining government office or a share in government.

Conservatism Political movement that defends tradition and is averse to change and reform. Pragmatic and generally sceptical about ideology

Liberalism Political movement, or set of ideas, emphasising individual freedom. Advocates rights and tolerance within society as key values.

Socialism Pursuit of equality (of outcome), social justice and collectivism. Believes in humans working co-operatively as the natural state of affairs. In the West, seeks to moderate the effects of free market capitalism, which it opposes.

Factionalism The splitting of a single group or party into different factions who claim to share the same outcomes but advocate different methods.

Distinguish between consensus and adversarial politics Consensus politics is where, despite differences on detailed policy matters, broad agreement exists on issues such as managing the economy Adversarial politics is where the major parties are clearly ideologically divided. Consensus politics existed in the 1950s and 60s ( ‘ Butskellism ’ ), and arguably in the post- Thatcher period. Adversarial politics was clearly seen in the 1980s under Thatcher.

Legitimacy The acceptance of the legal right of a government to rule. Often based on the consensus of the people (in a democratic state) and the constitutional endorsement of its position. Legitimacy is distinct from Authority, but can often be an endorsing factor for this.

What is democracy? Term that originates in ancient Greece, meaning rule by the many, or rule on behalf of all the people. It can be exercised in different ways – direct, representative – and in different societies – liberal, totalitarian.

What is direct democracy? A system where all citizens are involved in the decision making process through a direct vote. The best historical example is that of the city state of Athens. Direct democracy today tends to be exercised through the use of referendums on specific issues.

What is representative democracy? A system that involves electing individuals (or representatives) to govern on behalf of citizens. It seeks to ensure that government and parliament reflect and respect the opinions of ordinary people, with legitimacy given to representatives by elections. It is the prevalent system of democracy in the world today.

Liberal Democracy A democratic state which operates according to the liberal values of freedom, tolerance and rights. The particular type of democratic state may vary, but is usually representative.

Parliamentary Democracy A democratic state in which representation occurs through parliament. Parliament is the source of all political authority and where the sovereignty of a state lies

Political Participation Opportunities for people to become involved in the political process; Includes voting, participation in political parties or pressure groups and standing for public office

Referendum A form of direct democracy, where people are directly asked to determine an important political or constitutional issue through their own vote rather than via their representatives.

What are the functions of a general election? Representation – the means of choosing our representatives Choosing a government – elections determine the majority party, which determines who forms the government. Participation Legitimacy

What are the features of the FPTP voting system? Plurality system – highest number of votes wins seat Single-member constituencies Two-party system Vote for a single candidate

What is proportional representation? This is a general term, rather than a specific system, which describes systems that award seats according to the percentage of the vote received. Such systems usually involve list voting, preferential voting or multi-member constituencies. Not all systems display the same degree of proportionality.

What is a pressure group? An organised group of individuals with shared interests or beliefs. They exist to influence government policy and public opinion in respect of specific causes or interests. They do not generally stand candidates for election.

What is a sectional pressure group? This is a group which is involved in defending the economic interests of its members Examples are trade unions and employers ’ organisations like the CBI.

What is a promotional pressure group? This is a group which promotes particular causes, which are not usually linked to the economic self-interest of its members. Examples include animal rights groups, Amnesty International or Greenpeace. Such a definition can be ambiguous, as a cause group may also be defending economic self-interest (an accusation levelled at the Countryside Alliance, and Fathers for Justice).

What are the features of a political party? These are organisations with members who share broadly similar beliefs. They have formal structures, and seek to gain public support for particular policies or ideologies. They stand candidates for election, and seek to achieve power.

What are the functions of political parties? Representation Recruitment of leaders Policy formulation Government Participation and mobilisation.

Unit 2 – Key Definitions

What is a constitution? A set of rules and principles which underpin the workings of a political system. It defines, and limits, the duties, powers and functions of the various institutions of government. It also defines the relationship of the individual to the state. It is important in understanding and protecting the concept of civil liberty.

What are the features of a codified constitution? Laid down in a single, authoritative document Powers of government, and the relationship of citizen to state, can be found in one place Relatively inflexible Clearly entrenched

What are the functions of the prime minister? To head the government To appoint and dismiss ministers To exercise patronage powers and prerogative powers To chair the cabinet and set its agenda To represent the country in international affairs.

What is the role of a minister? To be responsible for a department, or area within a department Their importance varies depending on their position in the government hierarchy. Senior ministers (usually called ‘ Secretaries of State ’ ) sit in the cabinet Ministers have departmental and policy forming roles

What is individual ministerial responsibility? This convention holds that ministers should resign if they, or their department, are guilty of serious political mistakes. An example of this is Lord Carrington ’ s resignation over the Falklands invasion in 1982 This convention is more frequently held in abeyance though – for example when Michael Howard refused to resign in 1995, or Des Browne this year over the Iran hostages ’ selling of their stories to the media.

What are the functions of the House of Commons? Representative Legislative Scrutinising Debating Recruiting Legitimation

What are the functions of the House of Lords? Legislative Scrutinising Judicial Debating Recruiting