A Level Politics Evidence Bank

1. Democracy and Participation

1.1 Direct vs Representative Democracy

• Brexit Referendum (2016): 33 million UK citizens voted; 51.89% voted to leave the EU. 72% turnout, higher than general elections (~65%).
• Party Membership:
  • Labour: 309,000 members (Feb 2025)
  • Conservative: 131,680 members (Nov 2024)
  • Reform UK: over 200,000 members by May 2025
• Turnout Comparisons:
  • 2014 Scottish Referendum: 84% turnout
  • Swiss Referendums: under 50% turnout
• Recall of MPs Act 2015: Used 6 times; 4 petitions successfully removed MPs. Highlights include Chris Davies and Boris Johnson.
• Referendums in Switzerland often harm minority rights due to frequent use (tyranny of the majority).
• High turnouts in significant votes (e.g., Good Friday Agreement, Scottish Independence).
• Turnout Trends: Decline from 76% (1945-97) to 64% (2000 onwards).
• EU Referendum Cost: £150 million. Questions raised on cost-effectiveness.
• Tactical Voting: 25% planned in 2024 election, indicating dissatisfaction.
• Youth Turnout: Higher for those first voting at 16 vs 18.
• Brexit Aftermath: 'Bregret' sentiment with 57% thinking leaving was wrong.
• Misinformation affected emotional vs rational voting in Brexit referendum.

1.2 Debates Over Suffrage

• Youth Voting:
  • 75% turnout among 16-17 year-olds in Scottish Independence Referendum.
  • Isle of Man shows declining turnout among 16-17 year-olds since enfranchisement.
• Online Voting: Research shows interest among non-voters with online options.
• Voter ID Concerns: Critics argue it limits voting access without evidence of fraud.
• Prisoner Voting: Limited public support for letting prisoners vote.
• Compulsory Voting: Supported in 15 democracies, 70% British agree with voting as a duty.

1.3 Pressure Groups, Lobbyists, and Think Tanks

• Strikes and Protests: Strikes Act 2023 limits rights; climate activists like Just Stop Oil use direct action.
• Influence on Legislation: Groups like the National Trust and Care4Calais challenge government policies.
• Think Tanks: Influence policy (e.g., Institute of Economic Affairs, Adam Smith Institute).
• Lobbying Scandals: Highlight issues of ethics and influence in politics.

2. Political Parties

2.1 Features of Parties

• Ideological Focus: Includes representation, policy formulation, and leadership recruitment.
• Party Systems:
  • Single-Party (e.g., North Korea)
  • Two-Party (e.g., UK, USA)
  • Multi-Party (e.g., Germany)

2.2 Established Political Parties

• Conservative Party: Focus on fiscal responsibility, law and order, and strong foreign policy.
• Labour Party: Emphasizes welfare, public ownership in energy, and comprehensive school policies.
• Liberal Democrats: Advocate for fair economy, equal opportunities, and rejoining EU single market.

2.3 Emerging and Minor Parties

• SNP: Nationalist and pro-EU.
• Green Party: Focus on environmental issues and social justice.
• Reform UK: Stresses immigration control and reduced government intervention.

2.4 Parties in Context

• Party Systems:
  • UK as a Two-Party System
  • Rise of Populism and Political Fragmentation

3. Electoral Systems

3.1 Electoral Systems

• FPTP: Often criticized for leading to unrepresentative outcomes and wasted votes.
• Referendums: Usage and impact in shaping policy, though often costly and contentious.

3.2 Electoral System Analysis

• Impact on Government Formation: FPTP leads to strong single-party governments but can cause governance issues in coalitions.
• Voter Choice: Limited under FPTP, with focus on tactical voting.

4. Voting Behaviour and the Media

4.1 Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour

• Demographics: Age, gender, and region significantly influence voting patterns.
• Media Influence: Traditional media's declining influence vs rising social media impact.

4.2 Influence of the Media

• Media Regulation: OFCOM's role in maintaining impartiality.
• Media's Role in Politics: Influences public perception and can shape political outcomes.

Overall, the transcript covers a comprehensive overview of democracy, political parties, electoral systems, and voting behavior in the UK, providing insight into recent trends, policies, and societal attitudes.