FPTP - New Articles for March 2011

The latest collection of articles from First Past the Post - the digital magazine for A Level Politics students - is now available to subscribers. Details below;

Would AV actually change anything? (Nicholas Graham)
Much has been made of the arguments for and against the adoption of the Alternative Vote system, but far less has been said of its likely repercussions and who the likely beneficiaries would be if its adoption were to be approved in a referendum in May.

What is the Big Society? - Moreover, should we care? (Rachel Fairhead)
Back in May 2010, Nick Clegg and David Cameron outlined their flagship policy, which later became known as the “Big Society”....

The importance of social class upon voting behaviour (Kevin Bloor)
“What factors determine voting behaviour?” This question has long been a concern for those participating in the field of Politics. Of all the factors one might consider, social class has generated by far the most interest and the most debate. This article attempts to add this debate and perhaps spark some ideas amongst you.

It’s the emotion, stupid! (Kevin Bloor)
Most people view politicians in an unremittingly negative light. According to an opinion poll published by Angus Reid Public Opinion in August 2010 just one in five of those surveyed had any respect whatsoever for politicians

The reality of judicial independence in the Supreme Court (Rachel Fairhead)
On one of the examination boards in the January examination papers posed a portentous question, which was along the lines of “....explain why the creation of a Supreme court has taken the UK some way towards a separation of powers”

A setback for Obamacare (Nicholas Graham)
‘Obamacare’, as it is known, is probably safe for the moment. If Republicans win the Senate and the Presidency in 2012 - the former looks far more likely than the latter at this stage - then the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to give it its proper name, may well be doomed.

Reform of the filibuster, almost (Nicholas Graham)
The filibuster has become a byword for underhand and cynical tactics with which opposition Senators are able to kill off legislation their party opposes by talking the measure out on the floor of the Senate, and in some cases not even being there and talking, just indicating a desire to do so.

The State of the Union Address: what’s the point? (Rachel Fairhead)
The state of the union address is the speech that the President presents to the United Sates Congress. As the title suggest it provides the opportunity for the President to not only report on the State of the Nation, but also to set his political agenda for the coming year.