Comparative Approaches - Topic 6.6 Flashcards
Comparison of UK and US democracy and participation
1
Q
Similarites between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of rational theory
A
- Voters’ choices are most commonly determined by the party that is offering policies that will give the best outcome for them, demonstrated through some level of partisan dealignment as experienced in both the US and the UK
- Party-line voting is often determined by the career aspirations of those withing a party
- Factions within parties are often a reflection of the personal beliefs of individuals within a party
- Pressure group action in both countries is characterised by many groups or lobbyists thrying to achieve the best outcome for them personally through whatever access point is available to them
- The methods of pressure groups are often determined by the resources available to them and what they need to do to achieve influence for their cause
2
Q
Differences between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of rational theory
A
- Third parties are more successful in the UK due to the specific interests of devolved regions
3
Q
Similarites between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of cultural theory
A
- There’s some expectation that certain socioeconomic groups should vote for a certain party based on political history
- The expectation of party unity is high in both countries. Even in the US where historically this has not been as strong, there is a striking and growing polarisation between the two major parties
- The degree of internal party unity is often determined by national issues of the day, especially those which are of greatest concern to the public generally
- The difficulty in achieving campaign reform in both countries is due to a lack of political motivation from those in charge
- Party policies in both countries are influenced by ideological belief in certain political principles
- The growing media presence in pressure-group action and vast numbers of people taking part in these group activities suggest not only shared beliefs in certain issues by also a shared belief in the influence that uch groups can have
4
Q
Differences between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of cultural theory
A
- UK parties are more ideologically coherent than US parties
- Hyperpartisanship and polarisation is more pronounced issue in the US than in the UK
5
Q
Similarites between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of structural theory
A
- The number of access point for pressure groups in determined by the political structure of each country, which also determines the methods and influence that the groups may be able to achieve
- The voting behaviour of party members can be determined by the process in which they find themselves, including party discipline, and legislative and electoral processes
- The constitutional framework of both countries determines the electoral process and the resulting mandate gained from it for elected representatives
- Parties in both countries hold conventions or conferences to inform, develop and legitimise the policies they will go on to advance
6
Q
Differences between the US and the UK democracies and participation
In terms of structural theory
A
- The number of access points is far greater in the US than the UK
- The whips are stronger in the UK than the US and are able to enforce party discipline far more effectively
- Lobbyists spend considerably more in the US than in the UK due to differences in campaign finance regulations
