Individual voting theories Flashcards
What is the major flaw in using groupings to determine how people will vote?
It ignores the individuality of voters
State the three theories that help us understand why voters vote the way they do
- Valence
- Rational choice theory
- Single issue voting
What is a valence issue?
One where voters vote for the candidate they think is most likely to run the country effectively, especially in relation to the economy
What has caused valence voting to become more common?
Partisan dealignement
Define governing competancy
The perceived ability of the governing party in office to manage the affairs of the state effectively. It can also be a potential view of opposition parties and their perceived governing competance if they were to secure office
What type of leaders do valence voters like?
Strong leaders with desirable personal characteristics
Summaries the idea of valence issues
- How generally competant the previous governmnet was and how competant we think other parties would be
- How economically competant the government was and how competant other parties are likely to be
- How strong and prime ministerial the leader was
How does rational choice theory suggest people will vote?
In a way that they believe is in line with their best interests
What does issue voting suggest voters will do?
Vote based on a single issue that is important to them
