Rational Theory Of Voting Behaviour US + UK Flashcards
What is rational theory for voting behaviour?
-incl. role of the individual + assumes will normally act or more political choices logically to maximise positive outcomes for themselves + their cause
What are the three ways this is seen?
-rational choice theories of voting behaviour in UK + US
-voter alignment + core supporters of main parties UK + US
-social factors e.g. age, class, gender etc. UK + US
What is an example of the rational choice theories of voting behaviour? - 1
-issue voting in US ~ UK
-voters priorities specific issues + vote for party/candidate they belies will best address those issues
How is this seen in the UK?
-dominance of single issues signif shape voter behaviour
-individually choose to vote for what aligned with their beliefs + not whole party or candidate
What is an example of this?
-2016 Brexit referendum where voters prioritised sovereignty + immigration concerns leading to a leave victory despite broader econ warnings of leaving
-voting for own beliefs + not the collective
How is this seen in the US?
-gun rights advocates supporting Repub due to stance in 2nd amendment
-climate conscious voters back dems for commitments to environmental policies
What is an example of this regarding economic issues?
-2008 election severe econ downturn in US
-voters concerns on candidates dealing with job losses, healthcare + housing as result
What was Obamas stance?
-relief to struggling homeowners, expanding healthcare
What was McCain’s stance?
-downplayed econ crisis initially
-tax cuts, less gov intervention + less regulation of business
What was the outcome?
-voters chose which econ policies best aligned with own concerns
-Obama won with focus on econ issues + policies aligned with individual interests of voters
How does voter alignments explain rational theory of voting behaviour? - 2
-voters aligned with party based on ideological or policy preferences or group identity e.g. class, region, etc.
-voters choose party or candidates whose policies provide the most personal benefit
How is this viewed in the UK?
-long term party loyalty - rational based on past satisfaction with party’s performance or alignment with voters values
What is an example of this?
-working class aligned with lab as best represents their econ interests like policies on social welfare or healthcare
-lab voters 2025 motivated by promise of protecting public services like MHS + issue based alignment
How is this seen in the US?
-party loyalty + issue based alignment
-voters personal concerns even if don’t agree with party platform may vote for candidate for their position on specific issues
What is an example of this?
-2016 Trump guaranteed signif support from working class who felt globalisation hurt their econ prospects
-rationally aligned with trumps protection prospects like promise bring back manufacturing jobs
How does rational choice explain the social factors of voting behaviour? - 3
-ethnicity + race mean different historical experiences, econ interests + policy preferences
What is an example of this in the UK?
-A-A voters along with dems due to historic advocacy for civil rights + policies aimed at reducing racial inequality
How do the democrats do this?
-support for social justice, police reform + econ equality aligns with A-A interests
-personally believe this macimises their personal utility or collective rights
What is an example of the democrats doing this?
-George Floyd justice in policing act 2020 passed by the democratically lead HoR
-targeted police brutality, racial profiling + improved accountability of law enforcement
How is this seen in the UK?
-parties addressing racial discrimination etc.
-black + Asian support lab
-white support cons or UKIP
Why do black + Asian support lab?
-more progressive on racial equality, immigration + anti-discrimination laws
-e.g. equality act 2006 set up EHRC which enforces equality laws in UK
Why do white support cons or UKIP?
-white in regions with large immigration populations vote this way due to concerns on immigration, national sovereignty + threats to local employment due to immigration
