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The Party System in Great Britain

• Asa result of t electoral system two parties have traditionally been predominant in Britain, at different times Tories and Whigs, Conservatives and Liberals, and sińce 1920s the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, with one party normally obtaining a majority of seats in the House of Commons, and the other having its role limited to criticizing Government policy.

The Whigs and the Tories

In the 18* century two groups of allies were formed within the PaiiiamenŁ

The Whigs were the political ‘descendants’ of the parliamentarians. They supported

the protestant values of hard work and tlirift and believed in government by monarch

and aristocracy together.

The Tories had a greater respect for the idea of monarchy and the importance of the Anglican Church.

- This division is said to be the beginning of the party system in Britaia