Unit 1 content summary II Flashcards

Question

# 3 Scottish National Party (SNP)

Answer 1

- History: Founded in 1934, it is a centre-left party whose main goal was to secure Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom. In the run-up to the 1997 general election, the rise of the SNP prompted the Labour Party to embrace decentralization. In 2007, the SNP formed the Scottish minority government under the leadership of Alex Salmond. In 2011, the SNP gained a majority, despite the difficulty of obtaining a majority under the additional membership system used in Scotland. They have been in power in Scotland since 2016, either in a minority government or in a coalition with the pro-independence Scottish Green Party. - In 2011, a majority victory for the SNP prompted the Westminster government to agree to a Scottish independence referendum, which was held in 2014. However, the independence movement ended narrowly, leading to Salmond's resignation and his replacement by Nicolas Sturgeon. Sturgeon has had significant success in both Scotland and Westminster elections. In 2015, they won an overwhelming majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament. In the UK Parliament, the influence of Scottish MPs has declined, but SNP MPs often avoid voting on issues that do not affect their Scottish voters in order to emphasise the idea that Scottish independence should be made. - Policies and perspectives: The most important policy was undoubtedly the independence of Scotland from the United Kingdom; promoting policies similar to those of Labour, including opposition to austerity; In 2023, the Scottish government has increased the top rate of income tax, bringing both rates to 2% higher than the rest of the UK; introducing free university tuition fees in Scotland; support immigrants and want to devolve control of immigration to Scotland; support for Europe and hope that Scotland will rejoin the EU after independence; Support further decentralization, increase health care spending, and oppose the Trident

Answer 2

- History: Founded in 1991, the British Independence Party began as a fringe nationalist party, but by the 21st century it was tied to one person and one issue: Nigel Farage, a key leader of the British Independence Party, who opposed Britain's accession to the European Union. Farage has a charisma and is able to appeal to voters who are disillusioned with traditional politics. The UK's growing popularity is partly due to growing resentment with the three parties' acceptance of accelerated European integration and support for the European Union. In the 2014 European Parliament elections, the British Independence Party won 24 seats for MEPs, making it the largest British party in the European Parliament. - In the 2015 general election, it received 3.9 million votes, but thanks to the simple majority electoral system, it won only one seat. Still, its rising popularity prompted the Conservatives to commit to a referendum on leaving the European Union. After his victory in the 2016 EU referendum, Farage believes his job is done, and the party's importance is gradually declining. By 2019, Britain had not yet left the European Union, and Farage formed the Brexit Party on the eve of the European Parliament elections in May 2019 to press for a tough Brexit deal and oppose Theresa May's more moderate Brexit package. - In the 2019 European Parliament elections, the Brexit Party received the most votes (30.5%) and seats (345). The Brexit Party's threat to the Conservative Party played a major role in the Conservative Party's shift to the right. As a result of this shift, Farage agreed not to field a Brexit candidate in seats with Conservative MPs in the 2019 general election. The party still received 2% of the vote, but did not win any seats. Farage's goal was achieved, and Johnson's Conservative Party passed a tough Brexit deal after the election. After the 2019 general election, the party gradually disappeared again and changed its name to the Reform Britain Party, but received little support as its main purpose had been achieved. The British Independence Party and the Brexit Party have had a huge impact on British politics, and Brexit is one of the most important constitutional changes in the UK's history, and it has defined politics for many years to come. Even if the British Independence Party and the Brexit Party fail to win elections or win many seats in the British Parliament, they can make a huge impact politically. - Policy and perspectives: The main policy is to leave the European Union in order to restore the political sovereignty of the United Kingdom and reduce immigration. The British Independence Party and the Brexit Party are often defined as radical right-wing populist parties.

Answer 3

- History: The Greens evolved from the People's Party, founded in 1933, and later renamed the Eco Party, and in 1985 the Greens. In 2010, Caroline Lucas won the Brighton Pavilion and the Greens won their first seat in Westminster. In 2015, the party received more than a million votes in the UK, but failed to win more seats. In the 2019 European Parliament elections, they won seven seats for MEPs, garnering 12% of the vote. In the 2019 general election, they received 2.7% of the vote, but again only 1 seat, the seat of Caroline Lucas at the Brighton Pavilion. Their share of the vote increased by 1.1%. - Policy and perspectives: The Greens' main focus is on environmental issues, and in their 2019 manifesto they pledged to invest more than £100 billion a year in the Green New Deal to tackle climate change, support net zero emissions by 2030, fight against fracking, and support the phasing out of fossil fuels and nuclear energy in the UK in favour of renewables. They are also a center-left party that works to reduce social inequality. They strongly support the EU and oppose the privatization of the NHS. In 2019, they supported a universal basic income and supported a four-day work week. In 2019, they also supported the abolition of tuition fees and a new wealth tax to fund the creation of new jobs.

Answer 4

- History: Formally committed to the independence of Wales within the European Union, but in practice, more attention is paid to the preservation of the Welsh language and culture. As Welsh independence is not a very popular undertaking and is unlikely to materialise in the near future, promoting the use of the Welsh language in schools is a key example. They are also a centre-left pro-EU party with a strong commitment to tackling climate change, supporting a second EU referendum in 2019 to devolve tax power to the Welsh Assembly and investing £20 billion in green jobs. - They have never had more than 4 MPs in Westminster and are only competing for seats in Wales. They were more successful in the National Assembly for Wales. In 2007, the Welsh National Party became the second largest party in the National Assembly and formed a coalition with the Labour Party until it fell to third place and withdrew from government after the 2011 general election. Most recently, in the 2019 UK parliamentary elections, they won 4 seats, gaining 0.5% of the vote.

Answer 5

- Single-party system: There is only one political party, such as the Chinese Communist Party. - Dominant party system: There are multiple political parties, but only one party is in power for a long time, such as the Botswana Democratic Party. - Two-party system: Two major political parties compete for power and are the only party that is likely to win, such as the United States. Multi-party system: There are more than two political parties that are able to compete for power, such as Germany. - Britain's party system: The UK is often described as a two-party system due to the simple majority electoral system. This was especially true of the Liberal and Conservative parties in the 19th century, and the Labour and Conservative parties after World War II. Britain can also be described as the dominant party system over the past four decades. In the 2010 and 2015 general elections, the UK could be considered a growing multi-party country due to declining support for the two major political parties. Between 2010 and 2015, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP, in particular, gained a large number of seats and votes. The simple majority electoral system still prevents the Liberal Democrats from becoming a major player. Starting with the 2017 general election, the two major parties increased their share of the vote, and the UK can be seen as once again shifting to a more pronounced two-party system.

Answer 6

- Not important: the simple majority voting system greatly reduces the power and relevance of small parties in favor of Labour and Conservatives. Although the share of votes for the two major parties fell from more than 80% in 1979 to 66% in 2015, this was not reflected in the number of seats. Since the 2017 election, support has risen for both major parties. The Liberal Democrats are a striking example of what has been hurt by a simple majority electoral system. In 2019, the Liberal Democrats won 3.7 million votes but only 11 seats. - Important: A number of small parties with geographically concentrated support have achieved notable success under a simple majority electoral system, including the DUP, SNP, and Sinn Féin. Small parties have also been more successful in local elections and in the European Parliament elections. In 2019, the Greens took third place in the European Parliament elections, with the British Independence Party and the Liberal Democrats leading the way.

Answer 7

- It doesn't matter: the Conservatives and Labour have been in government since the end of World War II, or as main partners in the governing coalition. In a coalition, the main political parties can be considered to dominate the government and policy. In the 2010 coalition government, where austerity was dominated by the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats failed to deliver on their pledge not to raise university tuition. - Important: Small parties have achieved more electoral success in decentralized institutions and are therefore able to play an important role in policy, such as SNPs. Small parties can also play an important role in coalitions or through trust and supply agreements in the UK Parliament. The Liberal Democrats have pushed for policies such as raising personal allowances and introducing the 2015 Parliamentary Recall Bill. DUP has had a significant impact on Brexit policy due to its trust and supply agreement with the Conservative Party after the 2017 general election, and has played a key role in the development of a tough Brexit.

Answer 8

- Limited: The two major political parties have been in power in the UK Parliament and have played an important role in British politics and policy. Margaret Thatcher implemented her New Right philosophy and dramatically changed economic policy. Blair exerted a huge influence on decentralization and foreign policy. The main political parties are "cathedrals" that represent a variety of voters and policy positions, and are therefore able to maintain significant support. Even when small parties have an impact, the impact is usually temporary and reverts to that of the major parties. Even when small parties influence policy, it is often the major parties that design the exact nature of those policies and downplay them. - Important: Small parties indirectly have a significant impact on policy by threatening the two major parties in elections. Labour and Conservatives are often forced to adopt the policy proposals of smaller parties in order to sustain their electoral successes. The threat to the Conservatives from the British Independence Party and the Brexit Party prompted Cameron to commit to a Brexit referendum in the 2015 general election, and Farage's Brexit Party later played a key role in pushing the Conservatives in a more right-wing populist direction. Through its public support and political platform, the Greens have raised the political profile of environmental issues and forced Labour and Conservatives to support them. Small parties are pressure groups that use the electoral process to pursue their agendas.

Answer 9

- Party funding: Well-funded political parties are able to hire large numbers of staff and spend large sums of money on advertising and campaign campaigns during the campaign. Labour receives a lot of money from unions and donations, while the Conservatives get most of it from businesses and the wealthy. Electoral system: A simple majority system favors the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the SNP, the DUP, and Sinn Féin, but greatly damages the electoral prospects of other smaller parties such as the British Independence Party, the Brexit Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens. In decentralized institutions, proportional representation allows small parties to be more successful. - Party Leadership: Leaders are critical to the success of a political party. Charismatic leaders can go beyond a party's support base and increase the party's share of the vote, such as Boris Johnson. Leadership can also be important, as bad and unpopular leaders can adversely affect a party's popularity and its success in elections, such as Theresa May. Charismatic and popular leaders are especially important for small parties. The influence of leaders on a party's success can be exaggerated, as local workers play a key role, and many voters may vote for the same party, regardless of who its leader is. - Media: The media is critical to the success of a political party. The media plays a key role in shaping voters' political views and electoral behavior. The media usually only covers events, and voters make their own decisions. Most of the media is leaning to the right and supporting the Conservative Party. Tony Blair won the support of newspapers traditionally pro-Conservative, including The Sun, in the 1997 general election and was seen by many as an important factor in Labour's landslide victory in that election. The media can also play an important role by exposing key political scandals and events, such as the "Partygate" incident in 2022. - Policy and reflecting public will: The scope of policies proposed by a political party to voters is a key factor in its success. Successful political parties are able to capture public sentiment and develop attractive policies. The UKIP's huge support in the 2015 general election was largely due to the fact that its main policy, Brexit, attracted many voters who were dissatisfied with the political system. Support for the SNP has risen, in large part because of the general public support for independence in Scotland. - Capacity in government: The capacity of a political party in government is also an important factor in its success. Voters reward those parties that fulfill their manifesto policies and effectively manage the economy and government, while punishing those that do not. The Liberal Democrats, after forming a coalition with the Conservatives, have been severely punished by voters for failing to deliver on their pledges not to raise university tuition fees and for being associated with the Conservatives' austerity policies. By contrast, Labour's victory in the 2001 and 2005 elections was partly due to sustained economic growth and effective public services. The outcome of the 2010 election may have been due to the incompetence caused by the financial crisis. - Party Unity: The degree of unity within a political party is important to the success of a political party. A united party attracts voters because it gives a sense of competence and shows that the party will succeed once it is in power. Conversely, divided parties appear weak and incompetent, lack effective leadership, and fail to present a coherent and inspiring vision to voters. In 1997, the Conservative Party's split in Europe was a major factor in its poor electoral performance. Labour also failed to unite in 2019, with divisions between the leadership and members of the more left and the parliamentary Labour Party.

Answer 10

- FPTP: Simple, leads to strong single-party governments, but is unproportional. - AMS: Balances proportionality with constituency representation. - STV: Highly proportional, high voter choice, used in Northern Ireland. - SV: Used for Mayoral elections, ensures broad support. - Evaluation: Consider voter choice, representation, proportionality, MP-constituency link, and type of government.

Answer 11

- Voter choice. - Representation and proportionality. - Link between representative and represented. - Type of government and politics. - Evaluation: Assess how each system performs in these criteria. - No Perfect System: Each system has trade-offs.

Answer 12

- How it Works: Voters have two votes: one for a constituency candidate (FPTP), one for a party. - Where Used: Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Greater London Assembly. Party List: Uses the D'Hondt formula to determine party representation. - Advantages: Proportionality: Corrects FPTP disproportionality. MP-Constituency Link: Retains constituency representation. Wider Voter Choice: Split-ticket voting possible. Fewer Wasted Votes. Stable Governments: Despite coalitions. - Disadvantages: Two Types of Members: Constituency vs. party list. Closed List System: Party leadership controls the party list. Insufficient Top-Up Seats: Less proportional for smaller parties. More Coalition Governments: Can be seen as weak. Why Used: Compromise between constituency representation and proportionality.

Answer 13

- How it Works: Voters choose one candidate; the candidate with the most votes wins (simple plurality). - Where Used: UK general elections, local council elections in England and Wales. - Advantages: Speed and Simplicity: Quick results, easy for voters. Strong Single-Party Governments: Clear mandates for change (e.g., Thatcher, Blair). Exclusion of Extremist Parties: Requires geographically concentrated support. MP-Constituency Link: Strong representation of local interests (e.g., fracking vote). - Disadvantages: Unproportionality: Lack of representation in constituencies: MPs often lack a majority. At national level: Votes not accurately translated into seats. Exaggerates support of the biggest party (winner's bonus). Disadvantages smaller parties (e.g., Lib Dems, UKIP). Limited Voter Choice: Only one vote; no choice within parties. Wasted Votes: Tactical voting common. Unequal Vote Value: Safe seats vs. marginal seats; impacts turnout. Ineffective at Choosing Government: Single-party governments are not always ideal (e.g., 2010 coalition). Why Used: Suits interests of major parties; public support.

Answer 14

- How it Works: Multi-member constituencies; voters rank candidates preferentially. - Where Used: Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish council elections. Quota: Candidates need to achieve a quota (Droop formula) to be elected. - Advantages: Highly Proportional: Strong correlation between votes and seats. High Voter Choice: Choose between candidates from same/different parties; rank preferences. Power-Sharing: Enables cooperation (e.g., Northern Ireland). Majority Support: Governments have broad support. - Disadvantages: Weaker MP-Constituency Link: Large multi-member constituencies. Prone to Government Instability: Coalition governments can be fragile. Benefits Extreme Parties: Centrist parties can be disadvantaged. Slow and Complex Counting: Difficult to understand results. Why Used: Highly proportional; avoids single-party domination.

Answer 15

- How it Works: Voters rank first and second preferences. - Where Used: London Mayor, other elected Mayors; formerly Police and Crime Commissioners. Election: If no candidate gets >50% of first preferences, top two candidates' second preferences are added. - Advantages: Broad Support for Winner: Strong mandate. Simple and Straightforward: Easy for voters. Greater Choice: First and second preferences. Allows Independents to Win. - Disadvantages: Winner Doesn't Need Majority: Can win without an absolute majority. Voters Need to Identify Top Two: Not always clear. Less Popular Candidate Can Win: Based on second preferences. Wasted Votes: If second preference is not for top two. Why Used: Simpler than AV; ensures broad support.

Answer 16

- Voter Choice: STV > AMS > FPTP. - STV: Most effective choice. - AMS: Greater choice than FPTP. - FPTP: Simple, potentially higher turnout.

Answer 17

- STV > AMS > FPTP. STV: Most proportional. AMS: More proportional than FPTP. FPTP: Least proportional. - FPTP > AMS > STV. FPTP: Strongest link due to single-member constituencies. AMS: Weaker link, larger constituencies. STV: Weaker link due to multi-member constituencies.

Answer 18

- Referendums are a form of direct democracy in the UK, where the government seeks a popular vote on a specific issue. - Key debates revolve around whether referendums enhance or undermine democracy. - Arguments for include increased public involvement and legitimacy for reforms; arguments against include challenging parliamentary sovereignty and potential for divisiveness.

Answer 19

- Definition: A popular vote on a specific issue, usually requiring a yes or no vote. - Direct Democracy: An example of direct democracy within a representative system. - No Constitutional Mechanism: Unlike other countries, there's no constitutional mechanism requiring a PM to hold a referendum; they are at the government's discretion. - Parliamentary Sovereignty: Parliament maintains legal sovereignty, but it's unlikely they'd ignore the popular vote. - Advisory vs. Binding: Some referendums are advisory (Parliament takes action), others are binding (implementation follows the result).

Answer 20

- Post-1997: UK-wide referendums have only been held since 2010. - Key Referendums: 2011 AV referendum. 2016 Brexit referendum. Referendums in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Devolution). 2011 Welsh further devolution referendum. 2014 Scottish independence referendum. - Local Referendums: Held on various issues like council tax, local representation, and congestion charges. Examples: Greater London Authority (1998), Northeast of England region assembly (2004), Edinburgh congestion charge (2005), Birmingham and Bristol Mayor referendums (2012).

Answer 21

- Issue: Replacing First Past the Post with the Alternative Vote (a more proportional electoral system). - Campaign: Lib Dems, SNP, and smaller parties supported YES. Labour had no official position, - Conservatives and DUP supported NO. Result: NO won conclusively with a 42.2% turnout. - Analysis: Seen as a protest vote against the Lib Dems due to broken promises on tuition fees.

Answer 22

- Issue: Whether Scotland should be independent. - Agreement: Agreed upon by Scottish and UK governments due to the growing popularity of Scottish nationalism. - Eligibility: All EU and Commonwealth citizens residing in Scotland aged 16 or over could vote. Campaign: SNP and Scottish Greens backed YES. Better Together (backed by the majority of UK parties) backed NO. - Result: NO won with 55.3% on an 84.6% turnout. - Key Issues: Further Devolution, currency, EU membership, Trident, and North Sea oil. Analysis: Disaffection with Westminster politics influenced the vote.

Answer 23

- Issue: Whether the UK should leave the EU. - Context: Held after the Conservative Party made it a manifesto pledge in 2015. Campaign: - Remain campaign: Led by Britain Stronger in Europe, backed by David Cameron, Labour, Conservative, SNP, and Lib Dems. - Leave campaign: Fronted by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove (Conservative MPs), backed by UKIP. - Result: Leave won with 52% on a 72.2% turnout. - Key Issues: Immigration, national sovereignty, the economy, and the cost of EU membership. - Aftermath: Cameron resigned, the Conservative Party shifted right, and Brexit defined UK politics for the next four years.

Answer 24

- Electoral Commission: Regulates referendums since the 2000 Political Parties, Elections, and Referendums Act. - Responsibilities: Checks wording of questions, manages campaign expenditure, registers groups, and designates approved lead campaign organizations. - Example: The Electoral Commission changed the question wording for the EU referendum to be more neutral.

Answer 25

- Legitimacy: To give legitimacy to key constitutional changes and major government initiatives. - Party Motivations: Governments may hold them to avoid internal disagreements or to gain electoral advantage. - Coalition Agreements: Referendums can be part of a deal between political parties. - Public and Parliamentary Pressure: Held due to increasing pressure from the public or Parliament.

Answer 26

- Direct vs. Representative Democracy: -- Referendums are a form of direct democracy, conflicting with parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy. - Engagement: Recent referendums have had high turnouts, reflecting engagement with the population, while increasing dissatisfaction with the political class in Westminster. - Divisiveness: Referendums, especially Brexit, have been deeply divisive.

Answer 27

- Challenging Parliamentary Sovereignty: Challenge parliamentary sovereignty and the working of representative democracy. - Lack of Expertise: Ordinary people may lack the expertise to make complex decisions. - Divisiveness: Can be extremely divisive. - Low Participation: Popular participation is often low. - Party Political Purposes: Held for party political purposes rather than public pressure. - Influence of Other Factors: Results can be influenced by factors other than the referendum issue itself.

Answer 28

- Improved Democracy: Involve the people in key decisions and improve democracy. Single Issue: Enable a single issue to be isolated and an unambiguous popular verdict to be given. - Public Pressure: Often called due to public pressure and can reorient the politics of representative democracy. - Frequent Say: Give the people an opportunity to have their say more frequently. - Legitimacy and Entrenchment: Give legitimacy to key reforms and entrench them. - Political Awareness: Increase political awareness. - Well Regulated: Well regulated by the Electoral Commission.

Answer 29

- Greater Use: More direct democracy, similar to Switzerland. - Thresholds: Greater thresholds for constitutional changes (e.g., 55% support, turnout thresholds, or two-stage referendums). - Regulation: Regulate when referendums can be called (e.g., if enough citizens sign an e-petition).

Answer 30

- The press, TV, radio, social media, and opinion polls each play distinct roles in shaping political discourse and influencing voters. - The press often exhibits a right-wing bias, while TV and radio are expected to be neutral. - Social media and the internet have become increasingly important, particularly for younger voters. - Opinion polls can influence voter turnout and shape party policies. - The media's impact on elections and its role in holding the government to account are subjects of ongoing debate.

Answer 31

- The press is the oldest form of media. - Newspapers have no obligation to be neutral and often exhibit political biases. - Right-wing bias: The Sun, Daily Telegraph, Times, Daily Mail, and Daily Express. - Left-wing bias: Daily Mirror and The Guardian.

Answer 32

- Around 7 million people read newspapers daily in the UK. - They are a key source of political information, especially for older voters. - Newspapers present a bias and can influence how people vote. - Conservatives have won the last four elections with press support.

Answer 33

- Newspaper circulation has declined significantly. - Most people read newspapers that confirm their existing views. - Examples: In 2019, the Tories launched their Manifesto partly in The Telegraph. In 1992, The Sun's front page influenced voters. Polling revealed that many readers of The Sun and Financial Times voted Labour in 2017 despite the papers backing the Tories.

Answer 34

- Many people consume political news through TV and radio. - Coverage is supposed to be balanced and neutral, especially on the BBC. - Recent growth of biased channels like GB News and LBC. - TV is important in media coverage of elections, with debates and interviews being key. - Parties are allocated air time for election broadcasts.

Answer 35

- TV projects visual images, helping voters form impressions of leaders. - TV debates shape voters' views. - Between elections, interviews with politicians are highly important. - Examples: Newsnight often exposes government failures.

Answer 36

- TV often reinforces people's views rather than changing them. - TV and radio are less important among younger voters. - Example: Nick Clegg's boost in polls after a 2010 debate was temporary.

Answer 37

- Social media's role in politics has increased since 2015. - Parties learned from Obama's successful use of social media in 2012. - Social media and the internet are not subject to the same neutrality rules. - Online advertising on social media is a problem due to difficulty in tracking spending (e.g., Cambridge Analytica scandal).

Answer 38

- Significant in how younger voters consume political information. - Can lead to scandals going viral. - Targeted advertising is highly important.

Answer 39

- Coverage is dominated by traditional media. - Considerations don't apply as much to the older generation.

Answer 40

- Opinion polls gauge the popularity of parties. - Firms like Ipsos Mori and YouGov conduct polls. - They ask people how they intend to vote and about their opinions on leaders and policies. - Parties use polling to shape their policies. - Exit polls provide the first indication of election results.

Answer 41

- 1992: Polls failed to predict John Major's victory. - 2015: Polls predicted Labour would be wiped out by the SNP. - 2017: Few polls predicted the success of Corbyn and Labour.

Answer 42

- Examples of Accuracy: 2019: Polling was very accurate, predicting a Tory majority. - Arguments for Significance: Can influence turnout and voting behavior, particularly tactical voting. Can shape party policies. - Arguments for Insignificance: Polling simply reflects public views. The general public pays little attention to polling.

Answer 43

- Impact: Parties try to control their media appearance. Most newspapers come out strongly in favor of a political party. TV debates and interviews are key to how voters consume political information. Key moments can go viral on social media. - Counterarguments: Voters form their own opinions. Most individuals consume media and political opinions they already agree with. Social factors and voting factors can be seen as more important.

Answer 44

- Impact: The media plays a key role in holding the government to account, exposing its failures. Ministers are interviewed on radio and TV daily. The media took on a more important role during Covid-19. - Counterarguments: Parliament plays a far more important role. Allegations of bias against the BBC. Much of the population pays little attention to politics and political media. Governments try to control the news agenda.

Answer 45

- Arguments for Positive Impact: A free media is vital for a healthy democracy. With the growth of social media, more individuals can have a voice. TV and radio coverage is less biased. - Arguments for Negative Impact: The media presents an oversimplified interpretation of issues. Newspapers are notoriously partisan. Newspaper owners are primarily interested in boosting circulation. Governments increasingly make announcements in TV studios rather than in the House of Commons.

Answer 46

- Voting behavior is influenced by various factors, including class, social factors, issue-based voting, and campaigns. - Traditional determinants like class and partisanship have declined, while social factors such as age and education are increasingly important. - Election outcomes are shaped by a combination of long-term issues, valence factors (leadership, competence), and short-term campaign strategies. - Understanding these factors is crucial for analyzing election results and answering exam questions.

Answer 47

- Class and Social Status: Until the 1970s, class strongly influenced voting behavior (working class for Labour, upper/middle class for Tories). Class dealignment has occurred since the 1970s, reducing the importance of class as a determinant. - Partisanship: Strong affiliations with parties have declined (partisan dealignment). More swing voters exist, influenced by campaigns, manifestos, and leadership. However, partisanship remains important in some areas (e.g., Liverpool). - Voter apathy and disaffection are also present.

Answer 48

Social factors are useful for predicting voting behavior but interact with policy and party image. - Age: A key determinant. Older voters tend to vote Conservative; younger voters lean towards Labour or other left-wing parties. Turnout is higher among older voters. Millennials may not follow the trend of becoming more conservative with age, posing a challenge for the Conservative party. - Region: Regional voting patterns. Labour strongholds in cities like Liverpool and Manchester versus Conservative dominance in rural areas and towns. - Class and Social Status: Limited importance, but some influence remains. - Education: A key dividing line, especially post-Brexit referendum. Those with fewer qualifications more likely to support Conservatives; those with university education more likely to vote Labour and Lib Dems. - Ethnicity: White voters tend to vote Conservative; Black and minority ethnic voters are more likely to vote Labour. Turnout among BME voters is lower. - Gender: The influence of gender is marginal, though differences exist among the young

Answer 49

- Rational Choice and Issue-Based Voting: Voters act like consumers, evaluating options (rational choice). Issue-based voting is based on the party closest on the most important policy. The 2019 election is a key example. - Valence Factors: Leadership and competence. Leadership: Public image of leaders is increasingly important. - Competence: Performance of the current government in power is crucial. - Wider Political and Social Context: Issues and events (e.g., the economy, natural disasters, foreign policy). Events are highly important in influencing the popularity of a government.

Answer 50

- Campaigns: The six-week period before an election. Parties publish manifestos and actively campaign in the media. Key events and gaffes can be important. - Manifestos: Provide an indication of party policy. Manifestos are scrutinized and defended heavily in the media. - Media: (Covered in a separate video).

Answer 51

- Overview: Conservative victory, ending the post-war consensus. Result: 76% turnout; Conservatives won a majority of 43. - Key Factors: The winter of discontent, economic and political context. - Social factors: Conservatives made gains among the working classes. Rational choice and issue voting: Conservatives offered a radical change. - Key Points: The wider socio-economic and political context was important, perceived incompetence of the Labour party. Class was still important but less so, the campaign had little impact, rational choice, and issue voting were important.

Answer 52

- Overview: New Labour landslide victory, ending 18 years of Conservative rule. Result: 71.4% turnout; Labour won a majority of 179. - Key Factors: Declining importance of class. Rational choice and issue voting: Labour moved to the center, showing economic competence. Valence factors: Leadership (Blair's popularity), perceived competence. - Media: Labour gained press endorsements. - Key Points: New Labour won middle-class voters. Policy, leadership, and media were all important.

Answer 53

- Overview: Brown and Labour removed from office; Coalition government formed. - Result: 65.1% turnout; Coalition formed, Conservatives 36.1% of the vote and 306 seats, Labour 29% of the vote and 258 seats, Lib Dems 23% of the vote and 57 seats. - Key Factors: Campaign and TV debates, valence and leadership, and the economic context. - Key Points: Leadership was important, the economic context influenced perceived incompetence of Labour, policy was relatively unimportant, the campaign had key events.

Answer 54

- Overview: Theresa May called an election; Conservatives lost their majority. - Result: Conservatives 42.4% of the vote and 318 seats, Labour 40% of the vote and 262 seats. - Key Factors: Leadership (May perceived as weak), policy and rational choice voting (Corbyn's policies), campaign (May's social care plan). Age and education became key social factors. - Key Points: Leadership, rational choice and policy, and the campaign were important, age and education were key social factors.

Answer 55

- Overview: Boris Johnson called an election; Conservatives won an 80-seat majority. - Result: Conservatives won an 80-seat majority. - Key Factors: Issue voting (Brexit), leadership (Corbyn's unpopularity), campaign (Brexit focus). Age and education, and regional shifts. - Key Points: Issue voting on Brexit was important. Leadership played a key role. The campaign had little impact. Age and education continued to be important social factors, with a key regional shift.

Answer 56

- Wider political and economic context: The cost of living crisis and partygate. - Competence and leadership: Sunak is relatively unpopular, Starmer is increasingly popular. - Rational choice and issue voting: Starmer has shifted Labour to the center. - Social factors: Labour may regain dominance in the red wall.