Even though George Washington spoke out against having political parties, their presence throughout American history has given a voice to those in opposition to the party in power. But that must be a "loyal" opposition, which the Republican Party ain't. Perhaps we will end up with two major parties, one the centrist Democrats and the ot…
Even though George Washington spoke out against having political parties, their presence throughout American history has given a voice to those in opposition to the party in power. But that must be a "loyal" opposition, which the Republican Party ain't. Perhaps we will end up with two major parties, one the centrist Democrats and the other, the more progressively minded ones. Having one party, even if only temporarily, is not good.
That almost closely describes the political party structure in Australia.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is a social-democratic party. It is a progressive-leaning party with policy positions favoring social welfare and government assistance programs. It was founded by the Australian labor movement and broadly represents the urban working and middle classes.
The Liberal Party of Australia is a party of the center-right that broadly represents businesses, the urban middle classes, and many rural people. Its permanent coalition partner at the national level is the National Party of Australia, formerly known as the Country Party, a somewhat more conservative party that represents rural interests. These two parties are collectively known as the Coalition. In Queensland, and more recently in NSW, the two parties have officially merged to form the Liberal National Party, and in the Northern Territory, the National Party is known as the Country Liberal Party.
It should be noted that at present the Australian Labor Party holds 68 seats in the Australian Parliament, the Liberal Party 67, the Country/National Party 10, and the balance of 6 held by minority party and independent members. The Liberal Party would be similar in their views to moderate Democrats in the U.S. Congress and the Labor Party more similar to Progressive Democrats.
What an enlightened pleasant people the Australians are!
Even though George Washington spoke out against having political parties, their presence throughout American history has given a voice to those in opposition to the party in power. But that must be a "loyal" opposition, which the Republican Party ain't. Perhaps we will end up with two major parties, one the centrist Democrats and the other, the more progressively minded ones. Having one party, even if only temporarily, is not good.
That almost closely describes the political party structure in Australia.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is a social-democratic party. It is a progressive-leaning party with policy positions favoring social welfare and government assistance programs. It was founded by the Australian labor movement and broadly represents the urban working and middle classes.
The Liberal Party of Australia is a party of the center-right that broadly represents businesses, the urban middle classes, and many rural people. Its permanent coalition partner at the national level is the National Party of Australia, formerly known as the Country Party, a somewhat more conservative party that represents rural interests. These two parties are collectively known as the Coalition. In Queensland, and more recently in NSW, the two parties have officially merged to form the Liberal National Party, and in the Northern Territory, the National Party is known as the Country Liberal Party.
It should be noted that at present the Australian Labor Party holds 68 seats in the Australian Parliament, the Liberal Party 67, the Country/National Party 10, and the balance of 6 held by minority party and independent members. The Liberal Party would be similar in their views to moderate Democrats in the U.S. Congress and the Labor Party more similar to Progressive Democrats.
What an enlightened pleasant people the Australians are!
Oz is largely gun-free, too.
Thanks for the summary of Australian politics, Bruce.