THE PARTY SYSTEM IN BRITAIN

The Party System In Britain

The Party System In Britain

In the British governmental system, as in other parliamentary systems, the role of the political party is more prominent than in the United States. The selection of parliamentary candidates is determined within each party in lieu of the primary election contests that are part of American political life. Each party determines its own candidate selection process but to the extent that process is "open," formal party membership is a prerequisite. Party membership, which entails paying subscription or membership fees, in essence replaces the American practice of declaring party affiliation upon registering to vote. It also means that there is an actual basis for determining the relative size of parties, which is notably non-existent in the United States. (Fisher 1999:19-38)

In Great Britain, the leader of the victorious party at a general election becomes the Prime Minister with the right to form a government. Members of the Prime Minister's Cabinet are drawn, by convention, from elected Members of Parliament and in some instances from the House of Lords, which would, of course, violate the separation of powers doctrine within the U.S. system. In advance of the election, each party publishes its manifesto, which becomes the "authoritative statement of policy intent and ideological belief." The Prime Minister, his/her Cabinet, and the party's Members of Parliament strive to implement that manifesto, and have wide latitude to do so.

A successful party is in fact in a uniquely powerful position in government for there are no legal constraints on what it may do. The only constraints are practical, coming from the legacies of previous governments, the restrictions arising from international obligations, and from the limitations imposed by the economic and political environment. (Fisher 2005:66-75)

One other constraint that might well be added to this list is that of party cohesion. Indeed party unity is essential to the success of any party in government. Adherence to the party line is reinforced by the concept of collective responsibility at the Cabinet level and by a system of strict party discipline in Parliament. Parliamentary discipline is reinforced by the political parties' Whips, who serve as links between the party leadership and the ordinary Members of Parliament. The Whips are influential in advancing the career of back-benchers and may bring their influence to bear in persuading Members to support the leadership's position in debates and parliamentary votes.

The non-governing political parties play an important role in opposition as, in many ways, they serve as the "check" on the government of the day. As previously noted, unlike the United States, Britain does not have the rigid separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. In the absence of the built-in institutional checks and balances present in the U.S. system, this responsibility must be borne by the parties in opposition. In recognition of this important role, the opposition parties receive funds, known as "Short money" to assist them in their work. (Katz 2005:12-20)

In the United States, the general perception ...