This is a set of examples on both Scrutiny and Representation based on Daniel McCrossan the SDLP West Tyrone MLA, who is also the SDLP Education spokesperson. 

It can be difficult working out exactly what parties stand for. They tend to put all their ideas in their Manifestos - their policy promises.  This is a Superb BBC guide to all the parties in the UK General election and what their views are on particular issues.  This may be useful for any young new voters. 

It is clear now more than ever that the pacts are out in the upcoming election. The UUP is not fielding a candidate in North Belfast in the hope of securing a Unionist (DUP) MP in the very tight seat contested with Sinn Fein. However, the SDLP has not put up a candidate in North Belfast which then favours Sinn Fein. The DUP seem to be allowing the UUP to try and win Tyrone and they are not putting a candidate forward there to help this cause. The SDLP and Sinn Fein have made the unprecedented decision not to field three candidates in various constituencies.  Power is certainly being tactically carved up. 

The short answer is YES!  There are a lot of areas that are very applicable to the exams:

• The DUP has had its first openly gay representative elected. Alison Bennington was elected in Newtownabbey sparking a rare open debate in the party ranks. Jim Wells has criticised the party for allowing her to run showing the traditional and conservative side of the party.  East Belfast DUP MP, Gavin Robinson meanwhile has taken a more open approach and suggested it is a 'Good news story.'  Arlene Foster, not surprisingly, has attempted to sit firmly on the fence suggesting that it does not mean their policy on marriage equality has changed. It is an unusual and unexpected step however which seems to suggest some form of new thinking, at least in certain parts of the party. Remember, this is a party who are known for their stubbornness but they should be considered for their pragmatism and adaptability at times. At one time the thought of Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley sharing power would have been laughable. 

Recent high profile talks to come to some form of North South political alliance with the SDLP and Fianna Fail in the Republic of Ireland, have brought with them considerable difficulty and threatened further cracks in an already fragile edifice of what has appeared to be a party in terminal decline.  The links between the once mainstream and dominant voice of nationalism in the north - the SDLP and the Republic of Ireland's most successful political party have been ongoing for years rather than months. It has been given added impetus by the impending threat of Brexit. 

However, despite being passed by a comfortable majority by its membership it has led to open and public divisions in the party with Claire Hanna, standing down from her role as Brexit spokesperson in protest at the move. Pay very close attention to this story as it will be a vital component to any essay or question on the SDLP or northern nationalism. 

The SDLP and Fianna Fail have announced a Joint policy agenda which looks to be a tentative step towards a much anticipated link up.  The SDLP have always coveted Sinn Fein's claim to be the largest party in Ireland. They have always wanted to claim those all Ireland links which resonate with nationalist voters. Fianna Fail on the other hand are one of the most successful political parties in western Europe and they perhaps sense the danger Sinn Fein poses. They also sense the havoc brexit could pose and perhaps some level of opportunity for links with the north.

This is ESSENTIAL understanding for your Northern Ireland Politics course and esepcially with regards to the parties.