Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 1 4/16/2020
What is a political party?

An organisation

Aiming to gain political power and be the govt.

Members share beliefs stemming from ideology

They will formulate policies based on those ideologies.

During general elections they will present those policies in a manifesto to the general public.
 e.g. Labour and Conservatives, more successful, seats in Commons.
The functions of political parties
1.
Competition – voters have a choice, keeps govt. in check
2.
Policy – making choice coherent, parties provide ‘best fit’ ‘basket’ of policies
3.
Scrutiny – opposition keeping government in check
4.
Recruitment
5.
Participation – encourages voting, party membership offers canvassing leafleting, Labour uses referenda to increase participation, parties mobilise opinion encouraging debate.
6.
Governing – parties provide candidates to become MPs
7.
Communication / Representation – to and from the public, parties provide the electorate on certain issues; they raise issues of public concern, Labour’s ‘big conversation’.
How do political parties contribute to Democracy?

Offer the electorate a coherent choice

Educate the electorate

Encourage participation

Facilitate accountability

Generate new ideas for changing times

Act as a training ground for future political leaders
However,

Party choice is limited – as minor parties don’t receive seats.

Not all parties have democratic structures – voters have no choice over their party’s MP, they can either accept the party’s candidate or not vote for the party.

Collective party accountability can hurt individual candidates

Political parties tend to water down policy so that it appeals to more people

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What are the Conservatives’ key ideas? (before 2006)
 “Rolling back the state” – individuals should not be held back by state and should make their own way.

Tendency to adopt conservative stance on moral issues e.g. sexual equality, b/c big supporters of traditional values like the family, church and monarchy.

Emphasis on the need for tradition and continuity. Sceptical of change e.g. const. reform

Small but strong state on issues concerned with law and order.

Low taxation

Free market
What is the ideology of the Liberal Democrats?

Formed by a fusion of the old Liberal party with the SDP, a breakaway from Labour.

Belief in mixed economy b/c individuals must be free to pursue own interests.

Important to balance this with equality of opportunity – a chance to progress politically, economically, socially. Favours greater spending on social welfare agree with higher taxes.

Strong emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, particularly moral and social issues.

Strong emphasis on political equality and fairness, therefore strongest supporters of constitutional reform .
 Share Labour’s concerns about social justice.

Commitment to Europe . The most consistent champions of British involvement with the
European Union.

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1.
One Party States (dictatorship)

North Korea
2.
Dominant Party System

Other parties allowed

One party always wins
3.
Two party system

UK (until the 80’s, when Lib Dems started being a pain), USA

2 parties compete for power

May use coalitions in PR eg. Germany, Italy
4.
Multi Party

Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland, Holland

More than two parties have a chance of winning (usually due to PR)
What are the advantages of the two-party system?

Provides voters with clear choice between rivals e.g. Old Labour & Conservatives. Politics easier to understand – has produced higher turnouts in the UK.

Provides strong and stable govt b/c party in control normally has clear majority and therefore able to implement policies in manifesto. Results clearer as tactical voting doesn’t happen

If the govt fails or loses its way, there is always a govt in waiting, especially with the
Shadow Cabinet. This keeps the government on its toes.
What are the disadvantages of the two-party system?

Adversarial politics may not be constructive or desirable. It can result in unnecessary and harmful exaggeration of the differences between the parties. (Not really a factor 1951 – 62)

Encourages polarisation (taking the opposite stance) rather than consensus.

Parties not really representative as mostly below 50% of support therefore questionable mandate.

Inefficient b/c huge swings in govt policy if party changes, especially in the early 1970s.

Undermines importance of HoC, as debates rarely change anything.

Can allow those with extreme views to flourish. (Normally these MPs would cost the party votes).

Lib-Dems and Minor Parties (SNP, PC etc) sidelined, or forced into being ‘clients’ of the big boys (i.e. the Ulster Unionists and the Tories before 1969).
How has the FPTP system upheld two-party politics?

Winner takes all idea – even if a stronger third party did emerge, they would be badly underrepresented by FPTP – or would do so at the expense of the 2nd placed party. This would lead to a phase of one party rule until the fight between the 2nd and 3rd parties was decided
(Liberals and Labour 1922 – 1935).

Too many safe seats – many wasted votes and stagnation. (UK elections are usually won and lost across 100 key marginals).

Regional support traditionally for Conservatives & Labour upheld by FPTP. Whereas Lib.
Dems do not have a clear regional bias (except in the SW esp. Cornwall)

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 4 4/16/2020

It is not just electoral system that effects party system. e.g. social system – clear class system in 40s, 50s, 60s – large working class linked to Labour & MC link to Conservative.

Also, traditionally two opposing ideologies but now ideological flux. Therefore the right of the spectrum is much more fragmented – more opportunity for other smaller right of centre parties.
What is an election?

A popular vote in which citizens get a chance to choose their representatives.

Elections should be free, fair and regular (therefore, democratic). e.g. in Britain we hold elections every 4-5 years.

A mandate is given to the winning party at elections; the size of this mandate also reflects the degree of victory.
What are the key functions of elections?

To choose representatives – b/c country divided into constituencies and representatives chosen by citizens in each.

To choose government & PM – party with maj. of seats e.g. Labour 60%

The electorate gives permission to the governing party to carry out the policies in their manifesto i.e. their mandate. (Also see the Salisbury Convention – Unit 2)

An example of political participation. By exercising a choice between different political parties it gives us the power to decide in which direction the country will go.

The peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

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First Past the Post (FPTP) simple plurality

For UK General Elections to Westminster

The country is divided into 646 single-member constituencies.

Within each constituency each person eligible to vote will have ONE vote.

The winning candidate must get more votes than each of the other candidates, but need not achieve 50% of votes.

The political party with the most winning candidates, and therefore seats, goes on to form the government.
Pros

Strong government

Accountable (only one party in government, no manifesto compromise)

Simple and quick

No lengthy coalition negotiations

Good link between local MP and voter
Cons

Near absolute power for one party
 Unkind to small parties (eg UKIP gain ½ million votes but no seats)

Seats don't reflect votes (eg. 2005 General Election)
Location
England
England
Party
Tory
Labour
Votes
8.1 million
8.0 million
Seats
90 more than Tories
UK
Wales
Lib Dem
Tory
22%
20%
9%
10%
Scotland Labour 40% 75%

Doesn't have to recognize views of 60% of the country who didn't vote for winners. If you didn’t vote for the winner then your vote was basically unused.
 e.g. 1997, 48.2% of those who voted cast ineffective votes.
 Unpopular policy can be passed (whereas coalitions are more “viscous”)
 Promotes 2 party system (voter apathy) and “see-saw policy”.

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List (Pure PR) System - proportional

European Elections in England, Wales and Scotland

Huge multi-member constituencies (12 for all UK, 78 MEPs)

Vote for a party (closed list, so voters cannot choose between candidates from party list)

Parties get MEPs in proportion to share of vote

A quota, or number of votes required to win a seat, is calculated for that constituency.
Pros

Simple and transparent

% Votes = % Seats

Enables true 'national poll' to be taken.

Party HQ more likely to elect less typical candidates (woman, ethnics)
Cons

Sensitivity allowing smaller parties (UKIP, 2004 gained 12 seats)

No local link with massive super-constituencies

Coalitions

Party will choose its own loyal elite to go on list – impossible to remove unpopular figures as people don't vote for individuals.
Additional Member System (AMS) – hybrid (proportional/simple plurality)

Scottish and Welsh devolved parliament elections and London Assembly

The country is divided into single-member constituencies AND regions

2 votes, one for constituency (FPTP), one for party (List).
 Allows parties which don't win constituencies to get “top up” seats.
Pros

Effective proportional results while retaining local links and increasing voter choice.

Strong link between MPs and constituents.
 Allows voter to express support for a candidate without having to vote for candidate’s party.
Cons

It combines many of the faults of FPTP with many of the defects of the list system.

Tension between constituency and regional list MSPs.

Half of all MPs are not directly accountable to any voters (the regional list)

Makes it hard for one party to win (Coalition, Lib/Lab “marriage of convenience”)

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Single Transferable Vote (STV) – proportional
 For N. Ireland’s Assembly and Euro Elections
Pros

Choice of candidates from same party

Multi member constituencies in which voters will have MP choice (good for IRE) so that voters have representatives who share their views.

Choice of individual candidates allowing MP who reflects personal views and are willing to work on local issues in constituencies.
Cons

Very complex and slow

Candidates from same party may battle it out.

May lead to bribery (build up client bases giving out favors OR parochialism)
What is a referendum?

A vote on an issue (e.g. proposed EU Constitution)
 It is not legally binding (i.e. govt. doesn’t have to recognise result)
Referenda in the UK

1973: Northern Ireland’s membership of UK
– ‘Yes’ to remain in UK.

1975: UK membership of the EEC –
‘Yes’ to remain in EEC

1979: Devolution for Scotland and Wales – ‘Yes’, but Cunningham Amendment prevented it (40% of electorate was needed, low turnout).

1997: Devolution for Scotland and Wales –
‘Yes’ to Assembly in Wales, Overwhelming
‘Yes’ to devolved parliament and tax varying powers in Scotland.

1998: Devolution for Northern Ireland –
71% ‘Yes’ to Good Friday Agreement

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Arguments for Referenda

They enable people to decide on issues which they might not have the opportunity to consider at a general election.

They offer another way for the public to get involved in politics. Increasing popularity in pressure groups suggests that people are interested in issues. Referenda are on issues.

The associated campaigns can educate the public and allow the public to make decisions from an educated viewpoint.

They are democratic, an example of direct democracy.

They allow the government to see where support for major policy lies.

They can help resolve party splits.
Arguments against Referenda

The media could have undue influence on public opinion. (eg. Since the media is euro sceptic, media coverage on EU constitution would be unbalanced).

Government was elected to run the country and should do the governing.

Governments call referenda when they think they will get the decision they want

They undermine parliamentary sovereignty

People may not know enough about an issue to make an informed choice.

One side of the debate may have more resources at its disposal to fund its campaign.
What are the three types of power?
Power: The ability to make others do something by choice or force.

Coercion – the use of force to achieve ends. HARD POWER

Political power – exercised by govt through persuasion and incentives. HARD and SOFT

Influence – The ability to affect decisions but not to enforce them. SOFT POWER
What is legitimacy?
It is whether power is being rightfully exercised. This depends entirely on an individual’s political outlook. Consent is the true test of legitimacy.
Compare The Poll Tax and The Seat Belt Laws. Both passed into law.
1.
Poll Tax met with widespread opposition and helped bring down the PM (Thatcher)
2.
Seat Belt Law was virtually self-enforced in the UK. Public approved it.
Do citizens obey the law because of:
Respect?
Fear of punishment?

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Which six principle examples constitute legitimate rule?

Tradition – a regime that has held power without serious popular challenge for a long period of time.

Control – “Might is right,” any ruler who can control the state, provide internal security and protect it from external attack has a right to govern. Despotic

Religion – Basis of authority is religious belief e.g. Islamic regimes in Iran/Libya/Saudi
Arabia. Theocratic

Legality – if there is a recognisable system of laws in a state and the government operates within those laws. Govt must be accountable and transparent.

Morality – Judgements about the conduct of a regime must be made in order to assess legitimacy e.g. are human rights respected? Respect breeds consent.

Consent – the people of a regime consent to being governed by the govt.
What is consent and what criteria show positive signs of consent?
Consent: permission to be governed, especially if the govt doesn’t need HARD POWER to achieve this.

Widespread participation in free elections. Even if government is unpopular for a period of time, this does not mean the system itself is opposed.

Clear and regular demonstrations of support e.g. High Turnout.

The lack of any significant opposition over a long period of time suggests the people are content e.g. China – or that’s how the govt sees it!.

Traditional consent can be assumed with longstanding political systems. e.g. Thailand’s monarchy.
Direct Democracy

Ancient Athens

All qualified citizens decide on issues.

In modern day this is unworkable

We do use referenda though
Representative Democracy

Based around the unworkability of Direct Democracy in modern day.

Representatives make decisions on behalf of citizens.

This allows a society to reach democratic characteristics

Indirect democracy

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Features of Representative Democracy
1.
Elections allowing government to reflect opinions of people.
 i.e. Labour ’97, public desire for change

Elections provide legitimacy for representation
2.
Commons should reflect the society it seeks to represent

Reflect, political opinion and social, ethnic, gender groups
 i.e. Gender – Labour has fielded all-women shortlists in safe seats.

All parties seek more ethnic minorities.
3.
Accountability

If MPs want to be re-elected then their actions need to come under public scrutiny.

Elections enable this process of accountability.
4.
Representatives are not mere delegates.

MPs are elected to govern as well as represent.

Therefore sometimes public opinion is overlooked.
 i.e. Invasion of Iraq.

Ultimately, the people have the final say (may not re-elect at elections)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy?

Purest form of democracy rather than having someone interpreting your views.

May influence more people to get involved in politics.

Prevents cynicism about govt.

E-voting could lead to a revival of Direct Democracy.

However, it is impractical. Modern society is too large.

Minorities would have no say.

Potential to leave decision-making in hands of those least equipped to do so.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy?

More practical, is physically possible. Well suited to demands of modern society.

Puts decision-making in the hands of people with time and knowledge – their jobs

Representatives can be more rational e.g. emotive issue like cancelling of third world debt / death penalty.

Representatives can make decisions that are unpopular but necessary.

Are representatives trustworthy? Uncorruptable? Accountable?

Are the electorates wishes well reflected? Or are they forgotten until the next election?

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 11
What are the main criticisms of UK democracy?

FPTP system is unfair
 “Elective dictatorship” – Lord Hailsham
4/16/2020

Parliamentary sovereignty – party with the majority can dominate and therefore pass whatever legislation they like. (As long as they retain a working maj.)

Party system is so central therefore model of representation can be undermined. MPs may represent their party, not their constituents. The Whipping system.

Not reflective of modern multi-cultural Britain – only about 100 women in 659 and under
1% ethnic minorities.

Low turnout at elections raises questions about the mandate of govt.

Nature of the second chamber (Lords) – they are not accountable to us b/c not elected by us.

Sponsored MPs/Special Interests? Business ties.

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What is a pressure group?

A pressure group is an organisation whose members have some shared interests or objectives

They seek to influence (public and govt.) – they have fairly precise goals.

Focus one issue or one group of issues.

The can be well structured bodies with rules and constitutions.

Or, they can be seen as a group of movements and lobbies.
 They are not political parties, ie don’t field candidates. (Usually)
What are insider pressure groups?

Close relationships with the govt - considered legitimate by govt.

They almost have specialised knowledge the govt. needs. Often combine with similar groups from other states to form EU level pressure groups.

The Confed. of British Industry has close links with Blair Govt.

The NSPCC might be cited as an insider pressure group because it is close t political system and has been given statutory powers to handle child protection.
What are outsider pressure groups?

Cannot expect to be considered by govt and are not considered to be legitimate.

Not consulted on policy issues because their aim is not aligned with political order of the times, e.g. Trade Unions during Thatcher.

FOREST, which defends rights of tobacco smoker, is an outsider because it clashes with the government’s health policy.

Groups not aiming for insider status – often believe that the govt is wrong/corrupt e.g. anarchists, anti-globalisation protesters. These groups may be so extreme that it places them outside e.g. IRA, extreme animal rights groups. (All these groups have been legislated against). Note also their anti-democratic nature.
What are interest / sectional groups?

A specific part of the population is represented.

Within its role is to further the interests of a particular section of the population.

In some cases, membership may be restricted to those whose interests the group is representing e.g. trade unions , professional bodies (BMA, NU of Teachers).

In others, cause groups, membership is open to all who are concerned e.g. Child Poverty
Action Group and Age Concern. i.e. Shelter – you don’t have to be homeless to join.

Other examples – Confederation of British Industry (CBI), AA, Countryside Alliance,
National Farmers Union.
What are promotional/issue groups?

These organisations may appeal to all sections of the community, but are concerned with a particular issue or group of related issues. The granddaddy is the Anti-Slavery League.

Including within these are permanent and temporary groups.

Examples of permanent issue groups include Friends of the Earth, Transport 2000, RSPB.
(These groups can never achieve all their aims.)

Examples of temporary issue groups include CND, Electoral Reform Society and Animal
Liberation front (ALF). (These groups could [theoretically] achieve their aims.)

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 13 4/16/2020
What are the similarities and differences between political parties and pressure groups?
Similarities AND Differences
1 Both have main aim of public support. BUT
· Pressure groups do not seek to gain power, whereas political parties do. Pressure Groups want influence.
2 Both share methods e.g. use of media BUT
· Pressure groups concentrate on one issue or a narrow range of issues compared to political parties, which have a broad range of political issues to discuss.
3 Both develop policy. BUT
· Political parties have the responsibility of holding office, whereas pressure groups do not.
4 Both can put up candidates for election. BUT
· Political parties put up candidates to win elections – some pressure groups do too, but for different reasons. (i.e. Protest)
5 Both have some degree of formal organisation. BUT
· Political parties have a clearly defined legal status and are held accountable.
6 Can be active at local, regional, national, European Union level. BUT
· Parties have to win votes to act, Pressure Groups don’t.
7 Political parties have to actually implement policies and take responsibility for them.
What methods do pressure groups use?
·
MOBILISING PUBLIC SUPPORT - high profile campaigning, the organisation of public demonstrations, publicity stunts e.g. Countryside Alliance’s mass campaigns in support of foxhunting, Fathers For Justice. Or low profile, long term campaigning: RSPCA, NSPCC
· INCORPORATION OR “INSIDER” STATUS - they can therefore expect to exert considerable influence, but with responsibilities. e.g. National Farmers’ Union, Friends of the Earth, National
Trust, Confederation of British Industry. Or pressure groups become government-sponsored bodies themselves, and therefore are represented directly. E.g. Equal Opportunities Commission,
Commission for Racial Equality.
·
FIGHTING ELECTIONS - new phenomenon of putting pressure group candidates up for election seen during 1997 general election - Referendum Party, Greens.
· PARLIAMENTARY ACTION
- many Labour MPs are “sponsored” by trade unions, in return for fighting for that trade union’s cause. Pressure on MPs/support of MPs to pass a PMB.
Successful examples include law relating to homosexuality (led by Edwina Currie) and to abortion
(David Alton) in 1990s.

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 14 4/16/2020
· MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
- information and data can be gathered to support a group’s aims, and presented in TV, radio and press features. Furthermore, celebrities can be used in these campaign
(e.g. Sir Cliff Richard for Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association abortion law, Sir Ian McKellen for homosexual law reform and AIDS issues). ‘Cathy Come Home’ (Homelessness) is probably the most successful TV programme ever to promote a charity issue.
Why do pressure groups succeed or fail?
·
SIZE - govt is more likely to respond to a larger pressure group, simply b/c there are more potential votes to be won or lost. However, during 1980s - trade unions (total membership 8 million) and pensioners (about 25% of the population) did not appear to enjoy any political advantage. But it also depends on whether the membership are (potential) govt voters, and the organisation that backs them. Thus the Countryside Alliance – despite holding the 2nd biggest march ever in the UK) posed no threat to Labour. STOP THE WAR also failed to make the impression its size should have suggested in 2003. The fuel protesters in 2000 on the other hand did scare Blair. So really it is SIZE x EFFECTIVENESS.
·
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT - depends on which party is in govt at any particular time. Govt more likely to be influenced by large numbers of its own potential supporters e.g. not unsurprising that Conservative administrations of 1980s and 90s were unsympathetic to trade unions. (New Lab isn’t that sympathetic either).
·
FINANCE - This can be controversial when concerning large companies producing tobacco, alcohol, gas and electricity etc. Funds can be used to finance political parties and therefore receive sympathetic treatment. Also, pressure groups are able to mount expensive campaigns in support of their campaigns, hire professional PR staff, lobby effectively etc.
· ORGANISATION - a well-organised pressure group will have a considerable advantage due to having a network for the recruitment of members, research facilities and staff, a strong management structure to give policy direction, established methods for creating publicity.
·
STRATEGIC POSITION - certain sectional groups enjoy special status due to govt’s or the community’s reliance on them. e.g. police, medical and emergency service personnel, trade unions.
· Key strategic groups that may use their position to exert influence include:
·
PUBLIC OPINION - A combination of an effective campaign together with a sympathetic public is a potent combination. Recent examples of important policy changes & developments based on these circumstances include equal pay for women, controls over experimentation on animals, reducing the age of consent for homosexuals, relaxation of alcohol licensing laws.
· STRENGTH OF OPPOSITION - often two or more pressure groups must go against each other. e.g. the anti-smoking lobby v. the tobacco industry, the League Against Cruel Sports v. the
Countryside Alliance.

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What are the arguments to suggest that pressure groups are good for democracy?

Act as an effective channel of communication between governed and govt, articulating demands and mobilising support for them.

Provide wide opportunities for people to participate in political process without having to devote excessive amounts of time.

Ensure minority groups and interests are represented within political system. e.g. NSPCC b/c children cannot vote

Act as an important check on the power of the state by mobilising opposition to measures against sections of community.

Help to ensure stability by institutionalising peaceful political conflict, so preventing possible disorder and violence.
What are the arguments to suggest that pressure groups are a threat to democracy?

Only concerned with their own welfare and ignore the broader good of the whole community and the country. e.g. TUs on strike, public transport, fuel strike 2001

Some groups may wield disproportionate amounts of influence b/c of finance and links with political parties. e.g. TUs give money to Labour

Might not be internally democratic – might become merely reflections of elitism rather than true pluralism.
Functions of Pressure Groups
 Promote key issues
 Educate
 Participation between elections ( active citizenship )
 Raise no-go issues
 Help redress of grievance
 Minority Representation
 Source of specialist information
 Help to implement changes in public policy
 Decentralisation of power in the political system
 Check and balance

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 16 4/16/2020
PG Success
Success depends on what you say is success…some success is easier than others to achieve
 Political Compatibility – TUC with Labour, CND with Labour, CBI with Tories
 Financial Wealth -
CBI, IOD, Greenpeace (£350,000 on Brent spa)
 Organisation – NFU rep. 85%, Frank Field – strong leader, Good tactics (too many strikes)
 Leverage – Fuel Protesters, BMA, Fire Brigades etc.
 Political Contacts – Insider groups who are in direct contact with the system
 Public Support – Snowdrop, anti-poll tax lobby, govt. wants re-election.
Influence
 Ministers/Civil Servants - CS thought to be better, NUT opposed National Circum tests
 Parliament Ask questions etc. small majority = better, Wild Animals Protection Bill
 Political Parties – TUC Linked with Lab, Business with Conservatives – eroding?
 EU –
Power shift to Brussels, 3000+ PG’s, Friends of the Earth – UK water quality
 Courts
– Ultra Vires, defeated twice a day, Prosecution of Refugees + Ghost Ships
 Campaign/Media – visibility, important for outsides, media unpredictable – hard to sustain o
Steven Laurence (MP campaigned…Mail…) Fuel Protests
 Direct Action – MAD, Animal Liberation (Huntingdon), Fuel Protests, Poll Tax

Edexcel Politics Unit 1William CuthbertPage 17
Past Paper Questions by Date Unit 1
Spec Unit 1
(a) Outline two functions of elections.
4/16/2020
(b) Describe the first-past-the-post’ and the additional member (AMS) electoral systems.
(c) How have different electoral systems affected the representation of parties in the UK?
(a) What is a pressure group?
(b) What are the main types of pressure groups?
(c) In what ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy?
(a) What is a referendum?
(b) Outline three examples of the use of referendums in the UK?
(c) What are the arguments against the use of referendums?
(a) Outline two functions of political parties?
(b) Describe three issues over which Labour and Conservative parties disagree?
(c) How different is ‘new’ Labour from ‘old’ Labour?
Summer 2002
(a) What is a referendum?
(b) In what circumstances have governments called referendums?
(c) Make a case for the wider use of referendums.
(a) Distinguish between ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ pressure groups.
(b) How do pressure groups influence government?
(c) Why are some pressure groups more powerful than others?
(a) What is representative democracy?
(b) Outline the workings of any three electoral systems currently used in the UK
(c) What has been the impact on parties of the use of proportional electoral systems in the UK?

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(a) What is a political party?
(b) What are the main policy areas that divide the Labour and Conservative parties?
(c) To what extent has ‘new’ Labour broken with the party’s traditional ideas and values?
Winter 2003
(a)Outline two differences between a referendum and an election.
(b) Describe the circumstances of three referendums held in the UK
(c)What are the disadvantages of referendums?
(a)What is a political party?
(b) Outline the major ideas of the modern Conservative Party.
(c) To what extent has the Labour Party abandoned its traditional principles?
(a) Outline two ways in which pressure groups differ from political parties
(b) Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and political parties?
(c) What are the most important factors that contribute to pressure group success?
(a) Define democracy.
(b) How do elections promote democracy?
(c) In what ways has democracy in the UK been criticised?
Summer 2003
(a) Outline two functions of a general election.
(b) How does the Westminster electoral system differ from the other electoral systems used in the UK?
(c) What have been the effects of the use of proportional electoral systems in the UK?
(a) Outline two features of a political party.
(b) In what ways do political parties promote democracy?
(c) How effective are political parties in promoting democracy in the UK?

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(a) Distinguish between sectional and promotional pressure groups.
(b) What methods do pressure groups employ to influence the political process?
(c) Why are some pressure groups more successful than others?
(a) Define representative democracy.
(b) What are the features of representative democracy in the UK?
(c) What are the advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy in the UK?
S2004
(a) Outline two functions of a political party.
(b) Distinguish between consensus politics and adversary politics.
(c) To what extent do the policies and ideas of the Labour and Conservative parties overlap?
(a) Distinguish between ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ pressure groups.
(b) Explain the main differences between pressure groups and political parties.
(c) To what extent do pressure groups strengthen the democratic process?
(a) Outline the features of the ‘first-past-the-post’ electoral system.
(b) Describe three other electoral systems which are currently used in the UK.
(c) Analyse how these other electoral systems have affected the representation of political parties in the UK.
(a) Define direct democracy.
(b) Explain the main features of representative democracy.
(c) To what extent has the UK political system become more democratic in recent years?

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Summer 2005
(a) Define a pressure group
(b) In which ways can pressure groups be defined?
(c) To what extent do pressure groups undermine the democratic process?
4/16/2020
(a) Outline two features of a political party.
(b) How do political parties achieve their aims?
(c) How effective are political parties in promoting political participation?
(a) What is proportional representation?
(b) Explain the workings of AMS and STV in the UK.
(c) To what extent has the use of more proportional electoral systems affected the political process in the UK?
(a) Outline two differences between direct democracy and representative democracy.
(b) How has direct democracy been used more in the UK in recent years?
(c) What are the arguments for and against direct democracy?
Winter 2006
(a) Distinguish, with examples, between an insider and an outsider pressure group.
(b) What methods do pressure groups employ to influence the political process?
(c) Why are some pressure groups more successful than others?
(a) What is a political party?
(b) Explain the main functions of a political party.
(c) To what extent are political parties declining in importance in UK politics?
(a) What is a referendum?
(b) Why have referendums been used more frequently in the UK since 1997?
(c) To what extent do referendums promote democracy?

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(a) Define democracy.
(b) What are the main features of democracy in the UK?
(c) Assess the limitations of the UK democratic system.
4/16/2020