PARTY GOVERNMENT

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Lloyd George, formed a Coalition with the Conservatives w.
lasted till 1922. The party was re-united in 1923 but found itst.
outstripped by Labour. In 1924 they suffered a severe defeat
from which they have not recovered. At the 1931 crisis all, except
a few under Mr. Lloyd George, joined the ^National Government,
though many of these left it shortly afterwards. In 1935 there
were returned 33 National (or Simonite) Liberals, led by Sir
John Simon and supporting the Government: four Independent
Liberals, led by Mr. Lloyd George: and the official Liberal Party
of seventeen Members, led by' Sir Archibald Sinclair.

The Party is supported by those of moderate incomes and by a
lesser proportion of both the rich and the poor. In some districts
there is a strong Liberal tradition, often associated with Non-
conformity. It is probable that many people who hold Liberal
ideas feel that they can now make them of more effect by support-
ing the Conservative or Labotir Parties and bringing a Liberalising
influence to bear on their policies. The Liberal Party claim that
Proportional Representation would allow the strength of Liberal
feeling in the country to be fairly expressed; but unless this
reform is introduced, Parliaments like those elected in 1924 and
1929, when no party had a clear majority, will not be common
in future.

THE PARTY SYSTEM.

It appears, then, that party politics in Britain are characterised
by the existence of two great parties, rivals for Government, and
a third of lesser, but considerable size. These parties have local
organisations in nearly every constituency, responsible for
choosing the candidates and conducting propaganda with assist-
ance from a Central Office. Most of the agents in the
constituencies and staff at the centre are paid full-time workers.
Subscriptions from rich members form a considerable part of
the funds among Conservatives, a less proportion among, the
Liberals and only a small sum for the Labour Party. These gifts
are supplemented by small subscriptions from the rank and file.