Democracy in Scotland 2 Flashcards
Give three examples of campaigning methods.
canvassing, leaflets/posters, hustings
How is the media used in campaigning?
tv - (debates, party political, broadcasts), newspapers, social media.
What does using the media during campaigning mean?
It allows them to reach a large number of voters. It can influence people on social media, they have easy access to social media.
Why are some political parties more successful at campaigning than others? (8)
Because of the higher levels of funding a political party has. This means that they can run a bigger and more sophisticated campaign. For example, the Scottish Conservatives spent more money on campaigning in the 2016 and 2021 elections than any previous election and this led to great success for them;becoming the 2nd largest party in Holyrood for the first time and winning 31 seats.
Another reason is if a party has a high level of membership. This means they will be more successful due to the fact that party members will vote for the party they have a membership for during an election. For example, the SNP has had a surge in memberships in recent years, rising from roughly 25,000 to over 125,000 since 2014.
A final reason is if a party has a growing/positive image in the public’s view. This means the public are more likely to pay attention and listen to their policies. For example, the Scottish Conservatives have seen their profile as a strong opposition to the SNP, grow in recent years which links to their success.
What is a safe seat?
It is when the votes aren’t close.
What is a marginal seat?
It is when the votes are very close.
How do we know which party will form a government?
The party with over half seats/MSPs form a government, currently 326.
How does FPTP work?
This is when voters can select who they want to vote for in an election.
What is a by-election?
This is when a vacancy happens - the MP could have died and a by-election is held to replace them.
What are 3 advantages of Additional member systems?
It gives voters more choice since there are 2 chances to vote. You can vote for a candidate in the first vote and a party in the second.
It is more likely to result in minority parties gaining representation.
There is an element of direct representation because of the constituency vote.
What are 3 disadvantages of Additional member systems?
It is difficult to get a majority government since it is a proportional system.
Constituents may be confused over who to contact with an issue since there are 8 MSPs representing each voter.
Voters can get confused with AMS as there are 2 ballot papers. They may see lists of names on the second ballot paper but not really understand how someone on that list could get elected.
Give reasons why people vote?. (8)
People may feel it is an important responsibility to vote, especially since people in many other countries don’t have a right to vote, or elections dont give them a free choice. For example, an election in North Korea only had Kim - Jong - Uns name on the vote and people were forced to vote therefore he received 100% of votes.
People want to see the party they support elected. This is because they agree with the partys policies and they want this party to be in charge of how the country is run. For example, people who want an independent Scotland and who believe Humza Yousaf has been a good FM will likely vote SNP.
People may be members of political parties. This means they feel it is important to support them. For example, after the NO vote in the 2014 independence referendum, the SNP saw a huge surge in memberships as dissapointed voters wanted to pledge support.
Give reasons why people don’t vote. (8)
Some people may not agree with any party. This means they may not be bothered which party gets into government as they don’t think anything will change.
Some people might not have time to vote. This means they may find it a hassle to get to a polling station. For example, people who work long hours or have caring commitments might not find the time to go.
They don’t feel their vote will make a difference. This means they won’t vote because they believe another party will win by a huge amount. For example, in 2021 in Dundee West, the SNP won 62% of the vote compared to 22% for Labour.
How can you participate in Scottish politics?
Join a political party, vote in an election, stand as a candidate, campaign for a party.
What do MSPs do in debates?
They put forward motions about problems people they represent have, and can ask Parliament to consider how to solve them. For example, in November 2023 MSPs debated how flood hit communities could be helped after storm babet.
