Complex voting models

Question 1

What does the social structure model show?

Answer 1

Voting behaviour is stable, with low levels of electoral swing between elections.

Question 2

What does the party identification model show?

Answer 2

There is party de-alignment
90% in the 1950’s voted for Labour or Conservative
2005 figure fell to 67.5%

Question 3

What does the rational choice model show?

Answer 3

There is retrospective judgement (based on past performances) or prospective voting (How the party will do if elected)

Question 4

What does the valence model say about getting votes?

Answer 4

It get votes you need to be convincing on key issues

Question 5

What does the spatial model say about getting votes?

Answer 5

Attract voters by going to the center ground.

Question 6

How do parties try and set the political agenda?

Answer 6

By salient issues in any campaign.