Voting Behaviour & The Media Flashcards
(24 cards)
How does FPTP contribute to stable election outcomes?
It maintains a two-party system, leading to consistent governance by Labour or the Conservatives.
Example: Since 1945, every UK government has been led by either party.
How can economic performance predict election outcomes?
Poor economic performance can lead to government change.
Example: 1997 Labour landslide followed the 1992 Black Wednesday crisis under Conservatives.
How does voter loyalty contribute to predictable results?
Strong party bases in certain regions create consistent voting patterns.
Example: Liverpool Walton (78% Labour in 2019); Fareham (63.7% Conservative).
What undermines stability in modern elections?
Voter volatility and decline in loyalty.
Example: 2010 general election resulted in a hung parliament—the first since 1974.
How do smaller parties create unpredictability?
They disrupt traditional two-party dominance.
Example: UKIP’s 2015 rise (12.6% of vote) pushed for the 2016 Brexit referendum.
What role do external events play in destabilising elections?
Scandals and crises shift public opinion rapidly.
Example: Partygate (2022) caused Conservative support to drop.
How do opinion polls help inform and engage the public?
They allow voters to track developments and feel involved.
Example: 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum—polls helped voters follow the debate.
How do opinion polls increase political engagement?
Tight polls can heighten interest and boost turnout.
Example: 2014 Scottish Referendum saw record 84.6% turnout due to close polling.
How can opinion polls hold politicians accountable?
Poor polling reflects public dissatisfaction and may pressure leaders to act or resign.
Example: Liz Truss faced pressure after falling poll numbers in 2022.
How can inaccurate polls mislead the public and politicians?
Wrong predictions can skew expectations and decisions.
Example: 2015 General Election polls wrongly predicted a hung parliament.
How can polls influence voting behaviour?
They can encourage tactical or bandwagon voting.
Example: In 2017, a surge in Labour support led some Lib Dem and Green voters to vote Labour.
How might polls affect voter turnout?
Strong leads in polls can cause voter complacency or hopelessness.
Example: In 2019, Labour voters may have stayed home due to consistent Conservative leads.
What long-term factors can influence voting more than media?
Cultural and economic shifts, such as views on Brexit and party leadership.
Example: In 2019, Labour lost “Red Wall” seats due to these factors—not just media.
Why is media bias said to be balanced across UK broadcasting?
Broadcasters like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 must follow Ofcom rules for fair coverage.
How has social media reduced traditional media influence?
Platforms like Twitter and TikTok offer varied views, especially for young voters.
How can the tabloid press influence elections?
Through overt partisanship and headlines that claim influence over results.
Example: The Sun claimed it “won” Labour’s 1992 defeat.
How does media coverage impact political participation and turnout?
Negative stories may cause apathy, while media hype can boost turnout in tight races.
Example: Seen in the Scottish Independence Referendum.
How did the media influence the 2016 Brexit referendum?
Repeated use of the slogan “£350 million a week for the NHS” shaped voter opinion despite being widely criticised.
How can the media set the political agenda?
Through widespread coverage of issues that force government responses.
Example: Marcus Rashford’s 2020 campaign led to a government U-turn on free school meals.
How does the media hold politicians accountable?
Investigative reporting can trigger public outrage and political consequences.
Example: Coverage of the Partygate scandal pressured Boris Johnson to resign in 2022.
How does media influence electoral outcomes and policy direction?
Media endorsements can sway elections, which in turn shape government policy.
Example: The Sun backed Tony Blair in 1997, then the Conservatives in 2010.
How do insider pressure groups directly shape government policy?
By advising on legislation or providing expert input during crises.
Example: The BMA influenced PPE policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How does the media depend on pressure groups?
Media often uses information from pressure groups to frame stories.
Example: Liberty and Amnesty International shaped media coverage of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
How can cause groups influence both public and parliamentary action?
Through protest and awareness campaigns that pressure government to act.
Example: Extinction Rebellion’s 2019 protests led Parliament to declare a climate emergency.
