Liberal Democrats

• What political parties merged to form the Liberal Democrats?

  The Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party
• Who were some Prime Ministers from the Liberal Party?

  Gladstone, Lloyd George, and Asquith
• What values do the Liberal Democrats support?

  • Liberalism
  • Membership of the EU
  • Human rights
• What are the five principles of the Liberal Democrats?

  1. Tolerance: Variety of lifestyles and beliefs should be tolerated.
  2. Liberty: Individual freedom and rights should be protected.
  3. Equality of opportunity: Disadvantages in society should be removed.
  4. Social justice: Wealth should be redistributed for a good standard of living.
  5. Constitutionalism: A strong constitution should limit government power.
• What does the principle of tolerance mean for the Liberal Democrats?

  A wide variety of lifestyles and beliefs should be tolerated
• How do the Liberal Democrats define liberty?

  Individual freedom and rights should be protected
• What is meant by equality of opportunity in Liberal Democrat principles?

  Disadvantages in society should be removed and all should enjoy equal chances
• What does social justice entail according to the Liberal Democrats?

  Wealth should be redistributed, and each person guaranteed a good standard of living
• What is the principle of constitutionalism for the Liberal Democrats?

  A strong constitution should separate political power, and the government should be limited by laws
• Where do social liberals stand within the Liberal Democrats?

  They are centre-left of the party
• What do social liberals prioritize in their policies?

  Increasing social justice and higher spending on the disadvantaged
• Who are notable social liberals mentioned in the study material?

  Tim Farron and Simon Hughes
• What characterizes Orange Book Liberals within the Liberal Democrats?

  They lean more to the centre and support choice and competition
• How do Orange Book Liberals aim to increase social mobility?

  Through economic freedom for disadvantaged backgrounds and cutting taxes
• Who are notable Orange Book Liberals mentioned in the study material?

  Nick Clegg and Sir Ed Davey
• What was the role of the Liberal Democrats in the 2010-15 Coalition?

  • First time in power for the Liberal Democrats
  • First time Liberals held power in the UK since 1922
  • Nick Clegg became Deputy Prime Minister
• What was a significant challenge for the Liberal Democrats during the coalition?

  They had to accept some unpopular decisions due to the Conservative’s manifesto pledges
• What was one unpopular decision made by the Liberal Democrats during the coalition?

  Tripling tuition fees to over £9,000 per year
• What was a highlighted manifesto pledge for the Liberal Democrats regarding electoral reform?

  To hold a referendum on changing the electoral system to the Single Transferable Vote
• What electoral system did the Liberal Democrats settle on during coalition discussions?

  The Alternative Vote
• How was the Alternative Vote received by the public?

  It was widely rejected by the public