... the period of time looked when attempting to identify which system best describes Britain's and this becomes particularly important when looking at the years after 1979. If you look at the period between 1945-79, it seems fairly clear that a two party system exists. However, successive Conservative victories between 1979-97 make this proposition seem less credible. Another flaw in the two party concept arises when parties which have not had a sufficient majority to have any real parliamentary power have been assisted by a smaller third party in order to remain in government. Whilst falling short of becoming true coalitions, these alliances have taken place down the years and should not be ignored when determining which type of system the UK possesses. When these arguments are taken into consideration, it cannot be said that the UK has a true two party system. Some political commentators believe that the system is much closer ...

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