Chapter 2 - Voting Behaviour

Question 1

Define Social Class

Answer 1

A social group defined by social and economic status

Question 2

What is the difference between Class Voting and Partisanship?

Answer 2

People vote for their natural class party vs people vote how their family vote/how they were influenced by social factors

Question 3

Since which year has class and partisan attachment begun to waver?

Answer 3

1970

Question 4

Explain Class Dealingment

Answer 4

In recent years, class boundaries have eroded & people have stopped limiting themselves to a certain party because of class (in 1951: 96% of WC voted Labour)

Question 5

Explain Partisan Dealingment

Answer 5

The number of voters that identify strongly with a certain party has declined (1964- 43% very strong supporters of a party, by 2005 only 13% were)

Question 6

Name 4 social factors that can effect voting

Answer 6

Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Region, Class

Question 7

Explain the rational choice model of voting behaviour

Answer 7

A focus on the actions of rational individuals who pursue their own interests

Question 8

Define Issue Voting

Answer 8

People compare party policy and vote for the one with the closest ideas to their own

Question 9

Define Valence Issues

Answer 9

Issues on which the main parties are in broad agreement. The model claims that voter judgements on trustworthiness are therefore crucial, and argues there is a deep concern with competency of leaders and the party

Question 10

Define Economic Voting

Answer 10

This model claims voters are more likely to vote for the current government if they’re in a good economic state.

Question 11

What impact does media have on voting behaviour? (name 3 ways it effects the public)

Answer 11

Influences their perspective
Reinforces their ideas
Shapes their agenda
Increases voter turnout
Creates disillusion at system