UK Politics: Electoral System, Parties, and Key Events

  • Problems with the Electoral System

    The current electoral system is often criticized for being unrepresentative, potentially leading to minority rule. It can result in a two-party system that excludes minority parties and creates a spoiler effect, where the least desirable candidate wins. The system is also susceptible to gerrymandering. The 2015 election highlighted these disparities.

    • Potential Solutions

      Constitutional reform could introduce alternative voting methods, such as ranked-choice voting,

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UK Politics & Society: Thatcher to Cameron (1979-2015)

The End of the Thatcher Era: Main Difficulties

At the end of the Thatcher Era, unemployment reached 3 million, and young people had no social assistance. There was less investment in education, art, and health. Consequently, Thatcher’s popularity declined.

Moreover, the introduction of the poll tax was unsuccessful, leading to widespread protests. Even then, unemployment continued to rise, and the pound came under pressure. Furthermore, there was significant opposition to Margaret Thatcher within

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British Culture and Society: Key Terms and Concepts

To Carouse (in the ballroom)

To behave drunkenly (ir de juerga).

Juddering Halt

A situation you cannot foresee or plan.

Self-Indulgence

Doing or tending to do exactly what one wants, especially when this involves pleasure.

To Unshackle Business

To liberate business.

To Slash Taxes

To reduce taxes.

Power Dressing

A style of dressing in severely tailored suits, adopted by some women executives to project an image of efficiency.

Thrift

Economical management of one’s property / saving, careful spending.

Bolshie

Political

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