The Politics Shed

The development of Conservatism from Thomas Hobbes and Edmund Burke to today.

The podcast delves into the historical evolution of political parties in the UK, highlighting their essential roles in democracy and candidate selection. It discusses the dynamics of both major and minor parties, addressing the challenges smaller parties face within a first-past-the-post system. The impact of party funding on political representation is also analyzed, raising questions about equity and the influence of financial donations. Listeners will gain insights into how these factors shape governance and the electoral landscape.

In this episode, I describe the definitions, typology, tactics, and relative success of pressure groups in the UK. Do Pressure Groups enhance or detract from democracy? https://sites.google.com/site/thepoliticsteacherorg/home

Delve into the intriguing world of think tanks, exploring their role as independent research organizations shaping policy-making. Discover how they influence political discourse and the criticisms surrounding their funding and independence. The connection between think tanks and political careers reveals a complex landscape where ideology often intertwines with policymaking. With their impact on government policy and current economic debates, the discussion raises essential questions about democracy and accountability.

In this podcast, I discuss direct democracy, representative democracy, the delegate model, the trustee model, the mandate model, and the resemblance model of representation. https://sites.google.com/site/thepoliticsteacherorg/theories-of-representation https://sites.google.com/site/thepoliticsteacherorg/home

Dive into the transformative role of media in shaping UK politics, from the evolution of newspapers to the rise of social media. Explore how constant media access impacts voter behavior, fostering both engagement and polarization. Discover the challenges of transparency in digital political advertising and its effects on elections. Intriguingly, the discussion unveils the delicate balance between informing the public and the manipulation of information by politicians. This dynamic interplay continues to redefine democracy in the digital age.

This podcast considers the importance of factors such as the campaign, the personality of party leaders, and the rational choices made by voters. The 2017 and 2019 General Elections are examined as evidence. 

Discover how social class, locality, ethnicity, and gender shape voting behavior in the UK. Delve into the shift from traditional voting patterns to more issue-oriented choices. Learn about class and party dealignment, and the decline of party loyalty in a rapidly changing political environment. Personal anecdotes bring life to theoretical discussions, revealing how societal influences impact political identity across generations.

In this episode, I consider the strengths and weaknesses of the voting systems which have been used in the UK. Follow the link to the Politics Shed for more information and a variety of revision materials. https://sites.google.com/site/thepoliticsteacherorg/home