Key Terms: Voting Behaviour And The Media

Question 1

Class dealignment

Answer 1

The process where individuals no longer identify themselves as belonging to a certain class and for political purposes fail to make a
class connection with their voting pattern.

Question 2

Partisan dealignment

Answer 2

The process where individuals no longer identify themselves on a long-term basis by being associated with a certain political party.

Question 3

Governing competency

Answer 3

• The perceived ability of the governing party in office to manage the affairs of the state well and effectively.
• It can also be a potential view of opposition parties and their perceived governing competency if they were to secure office.

Question 4

Disillusion and apathy

Answer 4

• A process of disengagement with politics and political activity.
• Having no confident in politics and politicians as being able to solve issues and make a difference.
• Manifested in low turnout at elections and
  poor awareness of contemporary events.

Question 5

Manifesto

Answer 5

In its manifesto, a political party will spell out in detail what actions and programmes it would like to put in place if it is successful in the next election – a set of promises for future action.

Question 6

Mandate

Answer 6

The successful party following an election claims it has the authority (mandate) to implement its manifesto promises and also a general permission to govern as new issues arise.

Question 7

Media

Answer 7

• literally translates into ‘medium’
• the media acts as a medium between the people and politicians
• a very key impactor in politics