Political Key Terms

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Ballot
Another Term for Vote
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Ballot Paper
Paper containing a list of all candidates standing in a constituency. Voters mark their choice with a cross.
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Budget
The government's tax-raising and spending plans, outlined once a year by the chancellor of the exchequer.
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By-election
An election held between general elections, usually because the sitting MP has died or resigned
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Cabinet
The group of senior ministers at the head of the government.
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Coalition
When two or more parties govern together, when neither has an overall majority
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Constituency
The geographical unit which elects a single MP. There are 646 in the UK
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First Past the Post
Term used to describe the UK's parliamentary election system. It means a candidate only needs a simple majority - more votes than his or her rivals - to be elected.
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General Election
Election at which all seats in the House of Commons are contested. General elections must take place at least every five years
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Hung Parliament
If after an election no party has an overall majority, then parliament is said to be "hung". The main parties will then try to form a coalition with one or more of the minor parties.
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Manifesto
A public declaration of a party's ideas and policies, usually printed during the campaign. Once in power, a government is often judged by how many of its manifesto promises it manages to deliver
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Marginal Constituencies
Seats where the gap between the two or more leading parties is relatively small
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Minority Government
A government formed by a party which does not have an absolute majority in the House of Commons. Harold Wilson led a Labour minority government between February and October 1974.
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Opposition
The largest party not in government is known as the official opposition. It receives extra parliamentary funding in recognition of its status.
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Turnout
The number or percentage of people eligible to vote who actually do so
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Paper containing a list of all candidates standing in a constituency. Voters mark their choice with a cross.

Back

Ballot Paper

Card 3

Front

The government's tax-raising and spending plans, outlined once a year by the chancellor of the exchequer.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

An election held between general elections, usually because the sitting MP has died or resigned

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The group of senior ministers at the head of the government.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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NZLHistory

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A useful tool for learning key terminology associated with British constitutional history.

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