What are the functions of political parties and how has the UK party system changed?
The functions and features of political parties, party funding, the ideas and policies of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, the role of minor parties, and the development of the UK party system.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Politics on the functions and features of political parties, party funding, the ideas and policies of the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, the role of minor parties, and the nature of the UK party system.
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What this dot point is asking
AQA wants you to explain the functions and features of political parties, describe and evaluate party funding and its problems, summarise the ideas and policies of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, explain the role of minor and emerging parties, and assess the nature of the UK party system.
Functions and features of parties
Parties differ from pressure groups because they seek to win and exercise governmental power across a wide policy range, rather than influence policy on a narrow issue. They perform vital democratic functions: aggregating diverse interests into coherent programmes, recruiting and training political leaders, structuring electoral choice, organising government and opposition, and engaging citizens in politics. Critics note that declining membership and trust have weakened parties' capacity to connect with citizens.
Party funding
Funding is one of the most contested issues in UK politics. Critics argue large donations buy access and influence and create recurring scandals (the "cash for honours" controversies), leading to calls for state funding to reduce dependence on donors and level the financial playing field. Opponents say state funding forces taxpayers to support parties they oppose, could entrench established parties and freeze the system against new entrants, and weakens the link between parties and their supporters. The debate connects directly to the wider question of the health of UK democracy.
The main parties
- Conservatives: combine one-nation conservatism (pragmatism, paternalism, social cohesion) with Thatcherite New Right ideas (free markets, a smaller state, low taxes, strong national identity and law and order). The balance between these traditions has shifted with each leader.
- Labour: rooted in democratic socialism and social democracy, traditionally supporting public services, workers' rights, trade unions and redistribution; "New Labour" under Blair embraced the Third Way and moved towards the centre, accepting the market while investing in public services.
- Liberal Democrats: a centre party emphasising individual liberty, civil rights, constitutional and electoral reform, environmentalism and a pro-European outlook, drawing on the liberal tradition.
Minor parties and the party system
Minor and emerging parties such as the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Greens and Reform UK shape the agenda, pull the main parties' policies, and can hold the balance of power in a hung parliament or in devolved governments. Although First Past the Post favours a two-party system at Westminster (by squeezing geographically dispersed smaller parties), devolution, the use of proportional systems outside Westminster, and the rise of smaller parties give the UK clear multiparty features, especially in Scotland and Wales. The UK is therefore best described as a two-party system at the centre with a multiparty system in the nations.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of AQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
AQA 20199 marksExplain and analyse three functions of political parties. (Paper 2, Section A, short-answer)Show worked answer →
Three distinct functions, each defined, illustrated and analysed.
One: representation and aggregating interests. Parties bundle many demands into a coherent programme. Analyse that this aids choice but can blur or compromise individual interests.
Two: recruitment and selection of candidates and leaders. Parties choose who stands and who leads. Analyse that this trains a political class but can narrow the field and concentrate power.
Three: forming government and providing accountability. The largest party forms the executive and the rest provide opposition. Analyse that this gives voters a clear choice and a way to remove governments.
Markers reward three clearly different functions, accurate detail, and analysis of how well each is performed.
AQA 202120 marksEvaluate the view that the UK should introduce state funding of political parties. (Adapted from Paper 2, Section C essay; 25-mark essay rescoped to 20.)Show worked answer →
A balanced essay with a sustained judgement and developed arguments on both sides.
For state funding: it would reduce dependence on big donors and the "cash for honours" type scandals, level the financial playing field between parties, and free parties to focus on policy rather than fundraising.
Against state funding: it forces taxpayers to fund parties they oppose, could entrench established parties and freeze the system, weakens the link between parties and their members or donors, and is unpopular with the public.
Markers reward a clear line of argument, examples (the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Short money), weighing of the two sides, and a justified conclusion. AO3 (evaluation) carries the most weight.
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Sources & how we know this
- AQA A-level Politics (7152) specification — AQA (2017)