Voting Behaviour And The Media In Politics Flashcards
Class dealignment
Where people no longer vote according to their social class
Class voting
The idea that people will vote for a party based in the economic interests of their class.
Core voter
Any group of voters who will loyally vote for a party, regardless of any personal issues.
Floating (swing) voters
Voters who are not loyal to a party and are therefore open to persuasion.
Partisan dealignment
Idea that people are less committed or loyal to one particular party.
Social class
A way of categorising based on their status in society, usually by occupation or income.
Social capital
The theory that politics requires cultural and moral resources to engage people and make them feel part of society. As such, citizens have certain responsibilities and duties to make society work effectively.
Governing competency
The perceived ability of the government, or opposition, to manage the affairs of the country well.
Tactical voting
The process of using your vote to prevent another candidate from winning rather than voting for your first choice of candidate. It happens in seats with a third candidate who has no realistic chance of winning.
Spatial leadership
A style of leadership where the prime minister relies on his or her own inner circle of advisers rather than cabinet.
Disillusion and apathy
A process of disengagement with politics leading to a decline in political activity, particularly in voting.
Opinion poll
A survey of public opinion from a sample of the population at a given moment. They are often used to determine the expected results of an election.
