Comparing election and party systems

Question 1

Describe the term lengths for senators and MPs in the USA and UK.

Answer 1

In the USA, senators serve a term of 6 years, while House members serve 2 years, as set out in the Constitution. In the UK, MPs serve a term of 5 years; under the Septennial Act 1716, a parliament could last up to 7 years, but this was reduced to five under Parliament Act 1911.

Question 2

Explain the process for changing term lengths in the USA and UK.

Answer 2

In the USA, changing term lengths for House legislators would require a constitutional amendment. In the UK, changes to term lengths can be made through an Act of Parliament.

Question 3

Define the overall term limits for the Prime Minister in the UK compared to the President in the USA.

Answer 3

The UK Prime Minister has no overall term limit, while the USA President is limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment; Blair and Thatcher served 10 or more years.

Question 4

How do the number of elected offices compare between the USA and UK?

Answer 4

The USA has a longer list of elected offices and ballot initiatives compared to the UK, which has fewer elected positions.

Question 5

Describe the primary election system in the USA and its status in the UK.

Answer 5

Primary elections are universal in the USA, allowing voters to select party candidates, while the UK has virtually untried primary elections, with only a few local polls for Tory candidates after the expense scandal.

Question 6

Explain the concept of devolution in the UK and its impact on elections.

Answer 6

Devolution in the UK since 1997 has created more parity in elections, meaning Westminster elections are no longer the only significant elections.

Question 7

What electoral systems are primarily used in the USA and UK for legislatures?

Answer 7

Both countries primarily use majoritarian or First Past the Post (FPTP) systems for legislatures, but the UK has more variety in its electoral systems; Regional assemblies and until 2020, European Parliament elections use other electoral systems including AMS and STV; coalitions or minority govs common in devolved assemblies – not apparent at any level of gov in US.

Question 8

Describe the types of elections held at the state level in the USA.

Answer 8

In the USA, there are regular state-level elections for governors and state legislatures, which hold considerable power within the federal framework.

Question 9

How has social media been used in election campaigns in the USA and UK?

Answer 9

During election campaigns, both countries have increasingly used social media for targeted ads; for example, Labour used ads targeting females focusing on policy of compensating Waspi women affected by change in state pension age - seen more than 3m times and exclusively viewed by women aged 55 and over; in first 8 months of 2019 during early stages of re-election campaign, Trump’s campaign controversially used the term ‘invasion’ in Facebook ads.

Question 10

Describe the emphasis on personal qualities of candidates in elections.

Answer 10

Both parties in the USA and UK emphasize the personal skills and qualities of their candidates, such as Trump’s business deal-making skills and Boris Johnson’s experience as Mayor of London.

Question 11

What is the significance of the 2019 UK Labour Party’s campaign promises?

Answer 11

The 2019 Labour Party promised to abolish Universal Credit and end poverty by guaranteeing a minimum standard of living, focusing on social justice.

Question 12

Explain the impact of the 22nd Amendment on the US presidency.

Answer 12

The 22nd Amendment imposes a two-term limit on the presidency in the USA, preventing any individual from serving more than two elected terms.

Question 13

Describe the role of swing states in elections.

Answer 13

Swing states are crucial in determining election outcomes as they can be won by either major political party, influencing the overall result.

Question 14

Explain the significance of marginal constituencies in the UK elections.

Answer 14

Marginal constituencies are those where the winning margin is small, making them key targets for parties aiming to gain or retain seats in Parliament.

Question 15

How did Biden’s campaign strategy in 2020 reflect the importance of swing states?

Answer 15

Biden focused 40% of his campaign efforts on Midwest Rust Belt states, including 16 visits to Pennsylvania, highlighting the strategic importance of swing states.

Question 16

What was the focus of Kamala Harris’s campaign in 2024?

Answer 16

Harris concentrated on swing states, allocating more resources to these areas and performing better than the national average.

Question 17

Define the differences in campaign styles between the US and UK.

Answer 17

US campaigns often feature more personal and vitriolic attacks; Trump - ‘lock her up’ chants at rallies, speakers in 2024 referred to Harris as the ‘antichrist’; opponents of George Wallace used slogans like ‘If you liked Hitler, you’ll love Wallace’.

Question 18

Explain the cultural aspects influencing US elections.

Answer 18

US elections are heavily influenced by individualistic culture, emphasizing personal qualities and skills of candidates, unlike the more party-focused UK system.

Question 19

How do televised debates differ between the US and UK?

Answer 19

US debates have historically included only major party candidates, though Ross Perot appeared in 1992, first TV debate took place in 1960; UK debates often feature leaders from multiple parties, reflecting a broader political spectrum, starting more recently in 2010.

Question 20

Describe the candidate selection process in the US and UK.

Answer 20

The US uses primaries and caucuses for candidate selection, a process that has become fundamental in the last 50 years; historic participation of UK voters in candidate selection has been limited to party members and in generally declining numbers.

Question 21

What trends are observed in voting behavior among youth in both countries?

Answer 21

In both the US and UK, the youth vote tends to favor more liberal or progressive parties; in 2024, 40% of 18-24 vote went to Labour, while only 14% went to Conservatives; Harris won 52% of youth vote, as well as over 65s.

Question 22

Compare voter turnout rates between the US and UK.

Answer 22

Voter turnout in the US has ranged from 52-63%, while in the UK it has been higher, ranging from 59-77%.

Question 23

How do ethnic minorities vote in the UK and US elections?

Answer 23

In the US, 85% of black voters supported Harris, while in the UK, voting intention showed that 53% of ethnic minorities would vote for Labour in 2024.

Question 24

What similarities exist between the two-party systems in the UK and US?

Answer 24

Both systems feature parties that encompass a range of views and can be seen as internal coalitions, with distinct ideological differences; hard-left Momentum (Labour) and one-nation Tories; Tea Party Reps and progressive Dems.

Question 25

Define the ideological distinctions between major parties in the US and UK.

Answer 25

In both countries, major parties have distinct ideologies; for example, Tories and Republicans favor lower taxes and stricter immigration, while Labour and Democrats emphasize minority rights and environmental policies.

Question 26

Describe the internal party relations in both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Answer 26

Internal party relations in both parties reflect a broad spectrum of ideas and policy positions, manifesting in leadership contests, such as the 2019 Democratic primaries where Warren and Sanders represented the progressive wing, while Biden and Buttigieg were more centrist.

Question 27

Explain the significance of the electoral system for party dominance in the UK and USA.

Answer 27

Both parties in the UK and USA favor retaining their current electoral systems because these systems aid their dominance, with the UK parties being more ideologically distinct and the US parties experiencing a weaker central control due to the size and diversity of the country.

Question 28

How do the main divides differ between the Conservative Party and the Republican Party?

Answer 28

The main divide in the Conservative Party, at least up to 2019, was the Leave/Remain issue regarding Brexit, while the Republican Party's divides are primarily around foreign policy, trade, and the extent of federal government reach.

Question 29

Define the ideological differences between the Conservative Party and the Republican Party on social issues.

Answer 29

The Conservative Party is generally more socially progressive than the Republican Party, supporting issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, and firmly backing the NHS, whereas Republicans typically oppose socialized healthcare.

Question 30

Do the Democratic Party and Labour Party differ in their ideological positions?

Answer 30

Yes, the Democratic Party is generally more moderate and centrist compared to the Labour Party, although the election of Starmer has pushed Labour more towards the center.

Question 31

Explain the concept of party unity in the legislature between the UK and USA.

Answer 31

Party unity in the legislature is generally lower in the USA compared to the UK, although there were significant internal divides in UK parliamentary parties from 2015-2019, with May in 2018-19 facing large-scale backbench revolts over Brexit deals; US parties in Congress have become increasingly unified, with no House Reps and only two House Dems breaking party ranks in Trump impeachment vote.

Question 32

How does the size and diversity of the USA affect party dominance?

Answer 32

The dominance of central or national parties is much weaker in the USA due to the country's size and diversity, with primaries contributing to weakened central control over local state parties.

Question 33

Describe the electoral competition in the UK for devolved assemblies and the impact for the main parties.

Answer 33

In some elections, particularly European and for devolved assemblies, Labour and Conservatives compete under alternative electoral systems, resulting in neither party dominating these elections to the same extent as in general elections.

Question 34

Explain the cultural factors contributing to the two-party system in the UK and USA.

Answer 34

Both the UK and USA have been accustomed to two-party domination, partly due to their majoritarian electoral systems, with the UK having an official designation of 'Her Majesty's Official Opposition' and the USA having House/Senate Minority Leaders.

Question 35

How do third parties in the UK compare to those in the USA?

Answer 35

UK third parties have deeper historical roots, with the Liberal Democrats tracing back to the early parliamentary government, while the two largest third parties in the USA, the Libertarians and Green Party, are of much more recent origin.

Question 36

Define the historical roots of nationalist parties in the UK.

Answer 36

Nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales have historical roots dating back to the interwar period, while in Northern Ireland, the unionist/nationalist divide has its origins in the 19th century.

Question 37

Explain the concept of 'wasted votes' in the context of the US electoral system.

Answer 37

In the US electoral system, votes for third parties are often considered wasted votes, leading voters to be encouraged to choose the lesser of two evils among the main parties.

Question 38

Describe the historical trend of third parties in US party politics.

Answer 38

Third parties in US party politics have typically risen and then quickly disappeared, as exemplified by George Wallace and the American Independent Party.

Question 39

Explain the impact of regional and cultural diversity on party politics in the UK and US.

Answer 39

In the UK, distinct cultures of devolved regions foster the existence of nationalist parties like the SNP and Plaid Cymru, while in the US, the vast cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity leads to numerous local parties, complicating national politics.

Question 40

Define the structural dimension that affects the two-party system in the US.

Answer 40

The use of First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system solidifies the two-party dominance, with additional factors like ballot access laws making it difficult for third-party candidates to compete.

Question 41

How do ballot access laws differ between the US and the UK for third-party candidates?

Answer 41

In the US, ballot access laws are stringent, exemplified by a $35,000 filing fee for third-party presidential candidates in Oklahoma, while in the UK, candidates only need £500 and a nomination form signed by ten voters.

Question 42

Explain the challenges third parties face in participating in TV debates in the US.

Answer 42

Third parties in the US often face obstacles in participating in TV debates, whereas such participation is more common for third parties in the UK.

Question 43

Discuss the rational aspect of the two-party system in the US.

Answer 43

The dominance of the two-party system reinforces itself, as even independent-minded candidates like Trump and Sanders often choose to run for nomination within one of the two main parties due to the existence of primaries.

Question 44

How does the primary system in the US influence candidate behavior?

Answer 44

The primary system attracts a wide range of candidates who often operate independently from central party organizations, leading to a perception that US parties consist of many independent political operatives.

Question 45

Describe the phenomenon of party defections in US politics.

Answer 45

Party defections in the US typically occur between the two main parties, as seen when New Jersey congressman Jeff Van Drew switched from the Democrats to the Republicans in 2020.

Question 46

Explain the appeal of the UK political system for candidates outside the main parties.

Answer 46

The UK political system, lacking a primary system, offers more opportunities for candidates to seek election with parties other than Labour and Conservative, attracting disillusioned MPs to stand as independents.

Question 47

Discuss the significance of tactical voting in the UK.

Answer 47

Tactical voting in the UK allows voters to support third parties in constituencies where Labour and Conservative are not the only options, benefiting parties like the Lib Dems, as seen in the 2019 election in St Albans, where Daisy Cooper defeated the incumbent Conservative MP; helped by collapse in Labour vote, which fell by over 8,000, suggesting that large chunk of Labour voters had tactically switched votes.

Question 48

What was the combined vote share of the two main parties in the 2019 UK General Election?

Answer 48

In the 2019 UK General Election, the two main parties received a combined vote share of just over 75% and won 87% of the seats.

Question 49

Compare the support for third parties in the UK and the US based on recent elections.

Answer 49

UK politics has historically attracted more support for third parties than the US, as evidenced by the 2019 UK General Election where third parties had a notable presence, compared to the 2020 US presidential election where Trump and Biden received a combined vote share of 98%.

Question 50

Describe the significance of third parties in the UK political system.

Answer 50

Third parties in the UK play a significant role in balancing power, influencing policy direction, and providing representation in devolved assemblies, unlike in the US where third parties struggle to gain legislative influence.

Question 51

Explain the impact of coalition governments on third parties in the UK.

Answer 51

Coalition governments, such as the one between the Tories and Lib Dems from 2010-2015, allow third parties to have a hand in policy direction and secure funding agreements, enhancing their significance; During May’s minority gov, confidence and supply agreement with DUP; secured extra £1bn of funding for Northern Ireland.

Question 52

How do electoral systems in the UK support third party representation?

Answer 52

The use of proportional representation systems like STV and AMS in devolved assemblies allows for a more diverse representation of parties, making it difficult for main parties to dominate.

Question 53

Define the role of independent candidates in the US compared to the UK.

Answer 53

In the US, many third parties are effectively independent candidates who were once part of major parties, while in the UK, true independents are rare, with few elected outside of small alliances.

Question 54

Explain the concept of 'spoiling' in elections and its relevance in the US and UK.

Answer 54

'Spoiling' refers to third parties drawing votes away from major parties, which can affect election outcomes; this has been observed in both the US and UK, such as the Brexit Party's impact in the 2019 elections in Ed Miliband's seat.

Question 55

Describe the similarities in party policies between the UK Conservatives and US Republicans.

Answer 55

Both parties advocate for lower taxes, strong armed forces, a strong nation state, individual freedoms, and are willing to abandon fiscal prudence during crises.

Question 56

How do third parties in the US differ from those in the UK regarding legislative influence?

Answer 56

Third parties in the US are often excluded from the legislature and struggle for influence, while in the UK, they can participate in coalitions and have a more significant impact on policy.

Question 57

Explain the historical context of third parties in the US political system.

Answer 57

Historically, third parties in the US have been marginalized, with no significant legislative representation and often revolving around single figures, limiting their impact on broader policy.

Question 58

How do the electoral dynamics in local councils in the UK differ from those in the US?

Answer 58

Local councils in the UK can be run by third parties, allowing for greater political diversity, whereas US local governments typically adhere to a two-party system.

Question 59

Describe the emergency measures taken during the pandemic by Trump and BJ.

Answer 59

They passed government support measures at great expense to keep businesses afloat.

Question 60

Explain the common goal of Labour and Democratic parties regarding economic disparity.

Answer 60

Both parties aim to reduce the economic gap between the richest and poorest through progressive taxation; 2019 Labour manifesto contained pledge to introduce new 45% income tax rate starting £80,000 a year; US 2024 – tax those earning more than $400,000 more

Question 61

How do Labour and Democrats approach public services?

Answer 61

Both parties advocate for increased public spending to improve public services for all; Blair’s administration sought ‘education, education, education’, while spending on NHS greatly ramped up; under Obama – ACA.

Question 62

Explain the international cooperation stance of Labour and Democrats.

Answer 62

Both parties are enthusiastic about global bodies and internationalism, with Labour being pro-EU and Democrats favoring multilateral approaches.

Question 63

Describe the attitude of Labour and Democrats towards multiculturalism.

Answer 63

Both parties are open and positive about the benefits of multiculturalism, priding themselves on inclusivity and tolerance.

Question 64

What are some social policy differences between Republicans and Tories?

Answer 64

Republicans are more socially conservative, opposing same-sex marriage and being more pro-life compared to Tories.

Question 65

How do Republicans and Tories differ in their approach to government intervention?

Answer 65

Republicans have a militant libertarian streak and oppose government measures like vaccinations and lockdowns, while Tories focus on challenging EU interference.

Question 66

What is a notable difference in healthcare policy between Democrats and UK parties?

Answer 66

Some Democrats oppose universal healthcare, whereas no major party in the UK would consider privatizing healthcare.

Question 67

Define the ideological influences on UK parties compared to US parties.

Answer 67

UK parties are more ideological and influenced by key thinkers, such as socialist thinkers for Labour and Disraeli for Tories.

Question 68

How do party labels in the US differ from those in the UK?

Answer 68

Party labels in the US are often meaningless regarding origins or policy positions, as both parties support the notion of a republic and democracy.

Question 69

Describe the relationship between Tory PM Thatcher and Rep president Reagan.

Answer 69

Thatcher and Reagan had a strong relationship in the 1980s due to their shared commitment to free market principles and opposition to Soviet totalitarianism.

Question 70

What common commitment did Bush Jr and Blair share?

Answer 70

They shared a commitment to foreign policy in the Middle East.

Question 71

Explain the campaign expenditure caps in the UK.

Answer 71

In the UK, national parties are capped at £30,000 per candidate during the election run-up, and donations over £7,500 must be disclosed; Electoral Commission issues fine for breaking rules eg Plaid Cymru fined over £29,000 in February 2020.

Question 72

How does campaign finance regulation differ in the US?

Answer 72

Formal regulation by way of legislation eg BCRA 2002 has been watered down by court rulings eg Citizens United 2010; Super PACs – unlimited donations; political donations seen as extension of First Amendment right to free speech

Question 73

What is the state funding approach for campaigns in the UK?

Answer 73

The UK provides state funding through mechanisms like Short Money, and voter registration is managed centrally by the government.

Question 74

Describe the role of pressure groups in the UK compared to the US.

Answer 74

In the UK, pressure groups are more tightly regulated and cannot endorse or donate to parties, while in the US, they can donate and campaign for candidates.

Question 75

What does the Communications Act 2003 stipulate regarding political ads in the UK?

Answer 75

It prohibits the purchase of TV airtime for political advertisements.

Question 76

Describe the differences in campaign finance between the US and the UK.

Answer 76

The US has fewer restrictions on airtime and allows significant spending by candidates, parties, and Super PACs, leading to a total of $10.8 billion spent on ads in the 2020 election. In contrast, the UK has stricter campaign finance laws and more state funding, with major parties allocated free slots for election broadcasts.

Question 77

Explain the role of wealthy individuals in US political donations.

Answer 77

Wealthy individuals and interest groups in the US are more actively involved in political donations due to fewer restrictions and the potential for significant influence on policy. Donations are often motivated by political empathy and the desire to secure favorable policies, as seen with figures like Elon Musk.

Question 78

How does the concept of electoral battlegrounds influence campaign spending in the US?

Answer 78

Campaign spending in the US is disproportionately focused on electoral battlegrounds, where national campaigns can be won or lost. This targeted spending is easier in the US due to less stringent expenditure controls compared to the UK.

Question 79

Define the cultural differences in political fundraising between the US and the UK.

Answer 79

In the US, money plays a more explicit role in politics, with continuous fundraising efforts influenced by the First Amendment. The UK has a more nuanced political culture with a tradition of donations from trade unions to Labour and individuals to Conservatives, and a greater acceptance of state regulation in campaign finance.

Question 80

Explain the impact of the Citizens United ruling on US campaign finance.

Answer 80

The Citizens United ruling in 2010 reinforced the notion of individual rights and freedoms in US politics, leading to increased political donations and a culture where fundraising is constant, despite concerns about government interference.

Question 81

Describe the structural approach to elections in the UK compared to the US.

Answer 81

The UK has fixed terms for elected office but allows for 'snap' elections, making it easier to change election dates. The US, on the other hand, has more elections overall, but both countries utilize majoritarian electoral systems.

Question 82

How do campaign strategies differ in terms of voter engagement in the US and UK?

Answer 82

Campaign strategies in both countries focus on appealing to core voters and ensuring turnout, but the US places a stronger emphasis on individual candidates and public participation through primaries and caucuses.

Question 83

Explain the significance of 'cash for honours' allegations in UK politics.

Answer 83

The 'cash for honours' allegations suggest a link between political donations and the granting of honors, which has been leveled against both Labour and Conservative leaders, highlighting concerns about the integrity of political donations in the UK.

Question 84

Discuss the rational approach to campaign finance in both the US and UK.

Answer 84

Both countries see campaign finance as crucial, with the US having greater opportunities for political donations leading to heavy spending on electoral campaigning. However, fundraising does not guarantee victory, and most money is spent on close races.

Question 85

Describe the cultural approach to voting behavior in the US.

Answer 85

Voting behavior in the US reflects different priorities and views among various groups, with a stronger emphasis on individual candidates and personalities compared to the UK.

Question 86

What are the differences in local elected officials between the UK and the USA?

Answer 86

Some UK cities, such as London and Manchester, have adopted directly elected mayors and elected police and crime commissioners. In contrast, the USA has a much vaster array of local elected officials, including mayors, school board officials, agricultural commissioners, sheriffs, and state-level judges.

Question 87

What are the right-wing parties' positions on immigration in the UK and USA?

Answer 87

Parties on the right play on concerns over immigration; Republicans under Trump promised to tighten up the Mexican border through the construction of a wall. In the 2010 General Election, Tory leader David Cameron spoke of reducing net immigration to tens of thousands, while in 2019, Boris Johnson talked about a points-based immigration system.

Question 88

What are the left/liberal parties' focuses regarding social justice and poverty?

Answer 88

On the left/liberal side, the focus is on social justice and reducing poverty; in 2019, Labour promised to abolish Universal Credit and 'end poverty by guaranteeing a minimum standard of living.' The 2020 Democratic platform discussed an economy 'rigged against working families' and promised to reverse Trump's tax cuts.

Question 89

What did the survey of campaign visits by party leaders during the 2019 election reveal?

Answer 89

The survey revealed that 36 out of 61 constituencies visited by Boris Johnson were marginals, while the corresponding figure for Jeremy Corbyn was 58 out of 76.

Question 90

How do campaigning strategies differ between the USA and UK regarding elections?

Answer 90

In the USA, more time, money, and focus are devoted to campaigning between presidential elections; each party knows that winning or maintaining control of Congress in midterms can be crucial. In the UK, General Elections remain the focal point of most electioneering, except for infrequent referendums; direct democracy is entirely state-based in the US.

Question 91

What is the significance of presidential candidates' personal visions in the USA and UK?

Answer 91

In the USA, there is a focus on presidential candidates’ personal vision for the nation, exemplified by FDR's New Deal. This is not that different in the UK, where leaders like Thatcher and Blair ran personalized campaigns, and Boris Johnson's campaign slogan was 'Get Brexit done.'

Question 92

How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party respond to fiscal challenges during crises?

Answer 92

Both parties are willing to abandon fiscal prudence and cut government spending during crises. The pandemic saw Trump and Boris Johnson pass emergency measures to support businesses at great expense.

Question 93

How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party approach individual freedoms?

Answer 93

Both parties emphasize the importance of individual freedom. Reagan and Thatcher aimed to roll back the frontiers of the state, but both parties have expanded the surveillance state in times of crisis, such as the Patriot Act 2011 passed by Bush Jr after 9/11 and the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 in the UK.

Question 94

What is the stance of the Conservative Party and Republican Party on national sovereignty?

Answer 94

Both parties advocate for a strong nation state. Trump’s 'America First' platform sought better trade deals and tariffs, while the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservatives shares a wariness of international bodies.

Question 95

How do the Conservative Party and Republican Party view military spending?

Answer 95

Both parties emphasize strong armed forces. Trump's first term saw the military budget increase from just over $600 billion to around $700 billion, as part of a pledge to 'rebuild' the USA's military strength. Conservatives are committed to renewing the Trident nuclear submarine program and retaining the nuclear deterrent.

Question 96

What is the similarity between the Conservative Party in the UK and the Republican Party in the USA regarding taxes?

Answer 96

Both parties advocate for lower taxes for businesses and individuals. In 2018, Trump cut both income tax and the corporate tax rate. Recent Tory PMs have sought to cut taxes where possible, with Thatcher reducing the top rate of income tax from 83% to 60% in 1980 and then to 40% in 1989. Both parties believe that lower taxes promote innovation and productivity, leading to wealth 'trickling down' to benefit all sectors of society.

Question 97

What are the key aspects of party registration and state funding in the US?

Answer 97

In the US, registration drives are conducted by political parties to encourage voter registration. Additionally, no major party presidential candidate has accepted matched funding since 2008, indicating a shift in campaign financing strategies.

Question 98

What is the cultural approach to campaign finance?

Answer 98

There is a greater culture of individual political donors in the US; in the UK, it is more subtle and traditionally associated with certain bodies. The First Amendment culture and attraction to personal freedom in the US extend to political donations. There is a longstanding suspicion of a link between political donations and buying favors.

Question 99

What is the rational approach to campaign finance?

Answer 99

Greater opportunities for political donations in the US mean many pressure groups spend heavily on electoral campaigning. Fundraising is seen as important in both countries but doesn’t guarantee victory. Most money is spent on close races.

Question 100

What is the structural approach to campaign finance?

Answer 100

Campaign finance laws are tougher in the UK, with greater use made of state funding. Courts in the US have played a significant role in weakening Congress’s attempts to regulate campaign finance.

Question 101

What is the cultural approach to elections?

Answer 101

There is a stronger emphasis on individuals/personalities in US elections. The US has had greater public participation in candidate selection via primaries and caucuses. Voting behavior has historically reflected different priorities and views among different groups.

Question 102

What is the rational approach to elections?

Answer 102

Election campaigns are focused mainly on marginal seats/swing states. The use of FPTP encourages US and UK voters to support one of the main parties. Campaigning focuses on appealing to core voters and ensuring they turn out.

Question 103

What is the structural approach to elections?

Answer 103

Fixed terms for elected office exist, but it is much easier to change in the UK; ‘snap’ elections exist in the UK. There are more elections in the US. Both countries use majoritarian electoral systems.