Any topic (Writer’s choice

This is what you need to focus on^

• The rise and fall in party membership in the UK
• How and why people join political parties
• The changing nature of party membership
Seminar Questions
Why do people join political parties? Is mass membership a good thing? How do members engage with parties now?

THE Essay should have a clear structure, with an introduction setting out the aims of the assignment. The body of the essay should contain information of specific relevance to the assignment topic. A critical approach is encouraged. Answers should cite the work of appropriate authors, who must be referenced. Secondary citation, where students have not read the original work, should be made clear, for example, ‘Miller (2001) cited in Armstrong (2009)’. Students are encouraged to include their own ideas/opinions providing they are party of a reasoned argument and fully supported by facts, figures, references, etc. The conclusion should draw together the argument set out in the text. A substantial bibliography, reflecting the reading done for the essay, will be expected.

A 2000 word essay answering the questions below.

• Do British political parties still need or want members? If so, why? If not, why not?