Voting Behaviour Flashcards
What are the 3 theories of voting behaviour?
- Sociological - determined by social status (e.g. race, class)
- Party identification - attachment to a party
- Issue-voting - party that benefits them most, especially in the short-term
What are the 7 long-term factors of voting behaviour?
- Social class
- Party loyalty
- Gender
- Age
- Religion
- Ethnicity
- Region
How has social class influenced voting behaviour?
Until recent class dealignment, the working class backed Labour while the middle class backed Conservative.
Which regions historically voted for each main party?
Labour - North England, London, South Wales
Conservative - South England, North Wales
What were the turnouts in 2001, 2005, and 2015?
2001 - 59%
2005 - 61%
2015 - 66%
Which 5 factors may have contributed to the turnout crisis?
- Partisan dealignment
- Declining political engagement
- Increased ethnic minorities (who are less likely to vote)
- Negative image of both main parties
- Lack of ideological space between the parties
What are the 6 short-term factors affecting voting behaviour?
- Policies
- Economic performance
- Leaders
- Party image
- Campaigning
- Tactical voting
What is tactical voting?
Where people vote for one of the main parties because they fell none of the other can win
What are 3 arguments in favour of compulsory voting?
- Increased turnout
- More legitimacy for governments
- Politicians will have to consider everyone as everyone votes
What are 3 arguments against compulsory voting?
- Abuse of freedom
- Tactical/alphabetical/ill-thought voting
- Politicians may focus more on the interests of volatile voters
What was the minimum voting age for the Scottish Independence referendum?
16
What was the minimum voting age for the Brexit referendum?
18
What is the UK minimum voting age?
18
What are 3 arguments in favour of lowering the voting age?
- 16-year-olds can do almost everything adults can already
- Youth interests are neglected by politicians
- Increased political interest and engagement
What are 3 arguments against lowering the voting age?
- Most 16-year-olds live with their parents and are in education rather than work
- Turnout percentage may fall as 16-17-year-olds may be less likely to vote
