Different forms of participation Flashcards
When and under what power were citizens aged 18 and over given the franchise (the right to vote)?
Under the representation of the People Act 1969
In 1831 how many people were allowed to vote and were represented?
- Only 5% of over 18’s were able to vote
- this represented 450,000 individuals from a population of c25 million
By 1969 how many people were allowed to vote and were represented?
99% of adults had the vote
-around 40 million individuals from a population of 58 million
What 5 factors mean a person is unable to vote?
If a person is.
- an EU citizen from an EU country other then Britain
- a member of the House of Lords
- a convicted criminal who is in prison
- convicted of a corrupt or illegal electoral practise
- suffering from a severe mental illness
What was the general election turnout in 1951 compared to 2010?
1951-82.6%
2010-65.1%
What was the general election turnout of 2001?
59.4%
Why is low turnout a problem?
Low turnout brings into question the governments legitimacy and the strength of its electoral mandate
Give an example as to how national turnout figures mask massive regional variations
independent Dr Richard Taylor won on a 75% turnout in Wyre Forest, despite a record low turnout of only 59% nationwide
Give an example of differential turnout in 2010 general election
- 3% turnout in the constituency in East Renfrewshire
44. 3% turnout in the constituency in Manchester §1
What is differential turnout ?
This refers to the way in which the national figures often obscure significant regional variations
What 4 factors may account for differential turnout
- how marginal an individual seat or election it is
- the electoral system, if people think their vote counts
- local or national issues
- media attention, greater or lesser media activity in a constituency may affect turnout
What category of people are most likely to vote in a general election?
-Older, white women in a higher social class
In 2010, what percentage of those
-over 65
-18-24
cast a ballot?
over 65-76%
18-24- 44%
What 3 reasons suggest turnout is so low?
1) intelligent voters
2) disaffected or apathetic voters
3) Media-driven voters
Why is turnout low because of intelligent voters?
intelligent voters are more likely to turnout to vote only when they can see that the resulting institutions are important
Why is turnout low because of disaffected or apathetic voters?
An increasing number of voters are coming to the conclusion that elections don’t matter as ‘all parties are the same’
Why is turnout low because of media-driven voters?
some people only vote when the media bring the elections to their attention, abstaining in low-profile elections
What is hapathy?
When people abstain because they are happy with text status quo and do not feel the need to cast a ballot
What did the research on voting behaviour conducted for the Electoral Commission in 2005 reveal?
This research showed that 29% of those who described themselves as ‘satisfied with democracy’ did not vote in the 2005 general election
Give 6 examples of non electoral participation
- canvassing and leafleting
- organising election events and fundraising activities
- staffing campaign offices
- membership to a political party
- engaging in pressure group activity
- individually writing to an MP or councillor
What issues do protest politics circulate most commonly? (5)
- furl prices
- hunting
- globalisation
- Iraq War
- University fees
From 1984-2000 what is the percentage evidence which shows how the activity of boycotting products for ethical reasons has increased?
1984- 4%
2000-31%
In which year did the RSPB have more members than that of all 3 main UK parties combined?
2009
In 2009 -how many members -annual income -network -staff did the RSPB have?
- 1.2 million members
- £50 million per year income
- a network of 175 local groups and 110 youth groups
- 1,300 staff, 8,800 volunteers
How has party membership declined from 1951-2008 in the Conservative and Labour parties?
Conservative
1951- 2.9 million
2008- 250,000
Labour
1951-876,000
2008- 166,000What did Noreena Hertz remark in the Independent following the record low turnout in 2001?
“…other forms of political expression are on the rise”
In what year were 5% of over-18’s were able to vote which represented 450,000 individuals from a population of 25 million?
1831
By what year had 99% of adults have the vote, around 40 million individuals from a population of 58 million?
1969
What was the election turnout in 1997 (new labour) and 1979 (Margret Thatcher). Extreme governments
- 71.4%
- 76.0%
