ALL Flashcards
Voting Behaviour All Factors
Social Class, Media, Social Media, Issue Voting
Social Class Example
Historically election results have shown that those in A and B often support Conservatives, whilst DE voters support Labour because Labour policies such as Tax Credits and National Wage have benefitted the poorest.
Social Class Rebuttal
Class dealignment means there is an increase in middle classes and so role of social class is less influential.
Social Class Rebuttal Example
People are making more money, changing class and this could alter the way they vote. In 2010, 40% of DE voters, voted Labour.
The Media Example
Media plays important role in how a leader or political party and their policies are portrayed and parties such as Labour, Conservative and SNP clearly believe media plays a part in influencing how people vote as they spent a lot of money on party election broadcasts to ensure the public are aware of their policies.
Social Media Example
In the all of the past elections TV debates were held between the main party leaders. This was important as millions of people watched these debates and this had voting impact.
Issue Voting Explanation
People base their vote on the main policies and which parties will meet their needs. People may also judge the performance of a party and if they view that party as weak or disorganised they are less likely to vote. Education, health and defence are key policy areas voters may have favoured parties for.
Issue Voting Example
In the 2015 election Ed Milliband was seen as weak and not assertive and this lost him votes. Floating voters are very important in UK politics as they may base their vote on image and identity of party.
Conclusion Voting Behaviour
Topic of voting behaviour is complex as many factors shape how we vote. Social class used to be the most important factor but in recent years the rise of the media has influenced how people vote more. The rise of floating voters also means party performance and issues is an extremely important factor.
Governance of Scot All Factors
Power over all decisions, economically better off and benefitting from devolution as security
Independence = Power over all politics example
The current SNP Scottish government currently oppose the bedroom tax but cannot change it as the Westminster government implemented it, and taxation is a reserved matter.
Independence = power over all politics rebuttal
Devolution is beneficial as it allows the Scottish government to make some decisions while reserving other matters for Westminster Parliament.
Independence = power over all politics example
Under devolution currently, the Scottish government has powers over health and education while foreign policy decisions remain under jurisdiction of the Westminster parliament.
Economically better off independent factor example
Oil has been drilled for in Scotland since the 1970s, but it has to share the revenue it makes from the lil with the wider UK while part of it.
Economically better off independent rebuttal example
Scotland benefits financially being in UK. For example, an independent Scotland would not have been able to bail out big banks like RBS during credit crunch.
