Political Parties of Great Britain

Conservatives (Tories) Main party on the right. Traditionally, more pragmatic and moderate than Thatcher. Noblesse Oblige *Tories: supported the king (“Whigs” were anti-king)

Split in Conservatives Thatcherite Wing Strict Conservatives Euroskeptics Traditional Wing Noblesse Oblige Moderates Generally support EU Cameron: Leans Traditional, but Trying to unite

Labour Party Main party on left Est. in early 1900s – Trade Union Congress (TUC) – Socialist Groups Clause 4: nationalize industry 1970s & 80s: Increasingly leftist. – Unions too powerful

Blair and “New Labour” Blair: – Moderated the party – Not from unions (Oxford lawyer) – Dumped “Clause 4”

Liberal Democrats Moderate Party Est. in 1989: Merger of: – Liberal Party (Britain’s original leftist party) – Social Democrats (Conserv. who opposed Thatcher) Goal: Between Thatcherites and Leftist Labourites Big Issues – Proportional Representation Under-represented by 1 st Past the Post – Bill of Rights (like U.S.)

“Liberal Democrats: A Long, Unhappy Marriage” 1.Why did Lib Dems lose half their support in the polls? 2.List SEVERAL major points of contention between Tories and Lib Dems. 3.What is the major point of agreement between the two? 4.In spite of differences/difficulties, why is Clegg loathe to end coalition?

“Liberal Democrats: A Long, Unhappy Marriage” 1.Why did Lib Dems lose half their support in the polls? 2.List SEVERAL major points of contention between Tories and Lib Dems. 3.What is the major point of agreement between the two? 4.In spite of differences/difficulties, why is Clegg loathe to end coalition?

Minor Parties Wales Plaid Cymru – Union with England in 1500s

Minor Parties Scotland Scottish National Party – Joined through marriage in 1600s.

Minor Party Northern Ireland Sinn Fein: Catholics Democratic Unionist Party: Protestants Ireland united with Great Britain Republic of Ireland granted home rule in 1920s. – Not N. Ireland 60% Protestant 40% Catholic

Power Base of Parties Conservative England (298 of 307) – Suburbs and Rural areas Labour Wales Scotland Industrial north of England Urban London Liberal Democrats South West – Traditional home of Liberals – Home of Lib Dem early leaders Scotland

Political Socialization Process of developing political values and beliefs. AGENTS OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION