Political Participation Flashcards
Why are British voting opportunities traditionally limited?
- Rare referenda
- No president
- Executive not directly elected
- Unelected upper house
What is calculus voting theory?
If Benefits + Pivotality > Costs, the voter will vote
Which works pioneered calculus voting theory?
Downs, 1957; Riker and Ordeshook, 1968
What is the problem with individual rationality theories?
It is not rational to vote ever because it is a very remote chance that your vote will make the difference
What does cognitive engagement theory say?
That access to info and ability to make choices based on that info are key factors in deciding to vote
What is the problem with cognitive engagement theory?
The British population is increasingly well-educated and yet turnout is falling
What does the general incentives theory say?
There are incentives available for differing levels of participation
What does civic voluntarism theory say?
People don’t vote because they can’t, don’t want to, or weren’t asked. Those with time, money and knowledge are more likely to vote
What is the problem with civic voluntarism theory?
We have more middle-class, educated people than ever in this country, but turnout is falling
What does perceived equity fairness theory say?
Society is divided into groups who have expectations about what politics should deliver to them. They evaluate reality in relation to their expectations; if there is a big gap, the group will become disillusioned with politics.
What is the problem with perceived equity fairness theory?
It fails to describe why some groups react by protesting, and others simply withdraw
What is social capital theory?
Putnam argues that the connections between citizens are weaker than ever, and this has led to declining political engagement
Where are the holes in the social capital theory?
It is hard to recognise the same changes in UK as Putnam argues are present in the US, and it is difficult to know whether the fall in social capital is a product or a cause of declining participation
What percentage of the electorate are party members?
1%
