Political Parties: Factors That Affect Parties And Their Electoral Outcome

Question 1

What are the main factors that explain success in election for a party?

Answer 1

Relevance and attractiveness of polices, leadership, committed and organised group of activist on the ground, strength and situation of the opposition, party unity and electoral system

Question 2

What is an example of a policy that resonated with voters?

Answer 2

The Conservatives ‘Get Brexit Done’

Question 3

What is an example of a weak personality and poor communication letting them down?

Answer 3

Theresa May came off as somewhat robotic perforce in 2017 with her emphasis on ‘strong and stable government’

Question 4

What is an example of the inexperience of opposition letting them down?

Answer 4

Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats leader, in 2019 was less amused then previous leaders

Question 5

What is an example of lack of party unity letting a party down?

Answer 5

Labour under Jeremy Corbyn was extremely factionalised leading to poor performance in elections

Question 6

What is an example of the electoral system giving out unfair seats compared to votes in 2019?

Answer 6

Liberal Democrats winning 11% of total vote while receiving 1.7% of total seats, while the Conservatives won 43% of votes and 56% of seats