Types of Elections

Question 1

What is a By-Election ?

Answer 1

The process of electing a new member of parliament when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant outside of a general election

Question 2

What is a Bell-Weather constituency ?

Answer 2

A constituency which votes based on rational choice

Question 3

Is the Turnout always higher or lower than a general election ?

Answer 3

Lower

Question 4

Why do people vote ?

Answer 4

-Party Identification
-They want to voice their opinion on political matters
-They believe their vote will make a difference

Question 5

Why do people choose not to vote ?

Answer 5

-Do not see the point as they b believe their vote is worthless
-Not interested in politics
-Believe Politics is unrepresentative
-Unregistered to vote

Question 6

What does voting context mean ?

Answer 6

-Voters consider the ‘purpose’ of the election
-Voting does not always reflect personal preference (tactical voting)
-Voters weigh up the consequences of their vote

Question 7

What factors contribute to the likelihood of voting ?

Answer 7

-Location/Region
-Age
-Gender
-Socialisation
-Ethnicity
-Social class

Question 8

What are the functions of an election ?

Answer 8

-Legitimacy
-Participation
-Representation
-Accountability