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AQA Component 3.1.2.3: Political Parties: Policies of minor parties and their impact on political debates and agendas.
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Edexcel Component 1, Section 2.3: Emerging and small political parties in the UK
Background: What you need to know
This article analyzes the reasons for the current decline in fortunes of the once-dominant Scottish National Party. This goes back even further than the recent ouster of Prime Minister Humza Yousaf, who was forced out of office in an unfair decision that led to the expulsion of his Green Party partners from the government.
The article also makes reference to the SNP’s disappointing policy record, divisions within the party and police investigations into party finances. This highlights the critical importance of projecting an image of governing ability if it is to fend off the challenge of a resurgent Labor party.
Click the link below to read the article and answer the questions.
Dissolution of the Scottish National Party
AQA Politics Paper Style Questions 1
Edexcel Politics Paper 1 Style Questions
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Evaluate the view that small parties do not play an influential role in British politics
We need to balance this idea with alternative ideas. [30 marks]
Hint: Think of other smaller parties you can refer to when answering these questions. While Reform Britain is unlikely to win any seats in the next general election, it could damage the Conservative Party’s prospects by drawing right-wing voters to the party’s banner. For example, see the following article: How much of a threat is Reform UK to the Conservative Party?
Graham Goodlad, Portsmouth High School