A Level Politics - Comparing Electoral and Party Systems - The operation of the two-partysystem in the UK and the USA

A Level Politics - Comparing Electoral and Party Systems - The operation of the two-party
system in the UK and the USA
This study guide summarizes the similarities and differences between the two-party systems in the UK and the USA.
I. Similarities:

• Internal Coalitions: Both UK and US major parties encompass a broad spectrum of views, functioning as internal coalitions. Examples include the ideological divides within the Labour Party (hard-left vs. centrists) and the Conservative Party (Leave vs. Remain), and within the US Democratic (progressive vs. centrist) and Republican parties (various factions on foreign policy, trade, and the extent of federal government).
• Ideological Distinction (Recent Development in USA): While more established in the UK, both countries' major parties are now clearly identifiable as either conservative or liberal/progressive. This distinction has become increasingly pronounced in the US in recent decades.
• Internal Rebellions: Both systems experience internal party conflicts, rebellions, and leadership challenges reflecting the diverse viewpoints within each party. Examples include leadership contests within both Labour and the Democrats showcasing ideological divides (e.g., Sanders vs. Biden).
• Electoral System Bias: Both systems' dominant parties benefit from electoral systems that disproportionately favour them, hindering third parties and independents.

II. Differences:

• Divisive Issues: The specific issues driving internal tensions differ. In the UK, Brexit dominated Conservative infighting, while US Republican divisions revolve around foreign policy, trade, and the role of the federal government.
• Party Platforms: While both Conservatives and Republicans generally favour lower taxes, tighter immigration, and smaller government, the Democrats and Labour lean towards minority rights, environmentalism, and wealth redistribution. Conservatives are more socially progressive than Republicans on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. The Democrats are more centrist than Labour was under Corbyn, but Starmer's leadership has moved Labour closer to the center. The ideological gap between Republicans and Democrats is wider than between Conservatives and Labour. The positioning of parties is: Republicans (rightmost), Conservatives, Democrats, Labour (leftmost).
• Party Unity in Legislature: The US has generally seen lower levels of party unity in Congress compared to the UK Parliament, although this has been changing recently. (Note the contrast between increased US party unity and significant UK party divisions (2015-19), including votes of no confidence against Corbyn and May).
• Central Party Dominance: The US exhibits weaker national party dominance than the UK due to the country's size, diversity, and the role of primaries in weakening central control over state parties.
• Alternative Electoral Systems: The UK uses alternative electoral systems in some elections (e.g., devolved assemblies), leading to less dominance by the two major parties compared to the US, where the two-party system is more consistently entrenched. This is notably seen in the Scottish Parliament's multi-party dominance.

III. Key Terms & Concepts:

• Internal Coalitions: Major parties comprising diverse ideological factions.
• Ideological Divide: Differences in political philosophies and policy preferences.
• Party Unity: The degree of cohesion and agreement within a political party.
• Primaries: Internal party elections to select candidates.
• Electoral System: The rules governing how elections are conducted.
• Devolved Assemblies: Regional legislatures with some autonomy from the central government (UK).

IV. Study Questions:

1. Compare and contrast the internal divisions within the UK Conservative Party and the US Republican Party. What are the key issues driving these divisions?
2. How do the electoral systems in the UK and the USA contribute to the dominance of the two major parties?
3. Analyze the ideological positions of the four major parties (Conservatives, Labour, Republicans, Democrats) across various policy areas. How have these positions shifted over time?
4. Explain the role of primaries in shaping the internal dynamics of the US two-party system. How does this differ from the UK system?
5. Evaluate the extent to which party unity has been a significant factor in the operation of the two-party systems in both countries. Provide examples to support your analysis.

This study guide should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of the two-party systems in the UK and the USA. Remember to review the original text for additional details and nuanced perspectives.

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