Voting behaviour and the role of the media in politics

Question 1

Factors affecting voting

Answer 1

Class
Gender
Age
Ethnicity

Question 2

Theories explaining voter choice

Answer 2

Rational choice theory
Issue voting
Economic or valence issues

Question 3

Factors affecting individual voting

Answer 3

Policies
Key issues
Performance in office
Leadership
Image
Tactical voting

Question 4

Key elections

Answer 4

1979
1997
2010
2017

Question 5

Role of the party leader

Answer 5

Inspire party activists
Appear prime ministerial
Have a strong media presence
Appear strong in leading the party and, if elected, the nation

Question 6

Class dealignment

Answer 6

Process where individuals no longer identify themselves as belonging to a certain class
Individuals therefore fail to make a class connection with their voting patterns
Result of increased property ownership and education

Question 7

Partisan dealignment

Answer 7

Process where individuals no longer identify themselves on a long-term basis with a certain political party

Question 8

Pro class still matters in UK politics

Answer 8

Tax and benefits remain a key distinction between the two main parties
Many voter identify with a party based on their class

Question 9

Anti class still matters in UK politics

Answer 9

Most major issues affect everyone - eg. immigration
Decline of working class due to increased property ownership and improved education
Parties aim to have cross-class appeal, making class distinctions

Question 10

Pro politicians to blame for declining turnout

Answer 10

Failed to inspire public
Scandals and corruption have turned people away
Negative campaigning and adversarial politics have alienated many people

Question 11

Anti politicians to blame for declining turnout

Answer 11

Media responsible for undermining politics

Low turnout reflects social and generational changes that politicians can do little about

Question 12

Pro importance of party leaders

Answer 12

Strong leader will inspire undecided voters
A strong performance in the campaign will motivate the core voters and enthuse activists
A leader can maintain party discipline to ensure a unified party during an election campaign

Question 13

Anti importance of party leaders

Answer 13

People vote for their local MP, not for PM

Core party supporters will remain loyal regardless of leadership