Week 11: Elections and Voting

A collection of flashcards to help review key concepts and facts related to British Politics and Elections, based on the provided lecture notes.

What is the key theme discussed in Denver and Johns' chapter on British elections?

Elections and voters in Britain have become much more unpredictable and volatile than they used to be.

How did the election results of 1959 compare to those of 2019?

In 1959, Conservatives and Labour received 94% of votes and 99% of seats; in 2019 it was 78% of votes and 90% of seats.

What party phenomena are growing in British elections?

There is a growing vote for smaller parties and the emergence of new parties like Greens and UKIP, as well as local campaigners.

What are some theories as to why there is a growing number of parties and candidates?

People are losing faith in major parties and the costs and benefits of running have changed.

What major act in 1883 influenced voting practices?

The Corrupt Practices Act banned 'treating' voters.

What has changed about public engagement with elections since the Second Reform Act?

The size of the electorate expanded, making it impractical to 'treat' voters.

What does the term 'electoral swing' refer to?

The net change in support for two parties in consecutive elections.

What does the Petersen Index measure?

Electoral volatility.

What is the number of constituencies in the House of Commons today?

There are 650 constituencies.

How often are the boundaries for constituencies reexamined?

Every 8-12 years.

Who chairs the Boundary Commissions in the UK?

The Speaker.

What is the purpose of the annual canvas in voter registration?

To send an electoral registration form to all households.

What is the maximum expenditure for a candidate as per the 2023 rule change?

£11,390 plus 12p multiplied by the number of voters.

What was the maximum expenditure for each political party in the 2024 election?

£34.1 million.

What electoral system does the UK primarily use for its elections?

First Past the Post (FPTP).

What are some benefits of the FPTP system as discussed by Lord Philip Norton?

It usually gives one party a majority, is coherent, and ensures accountability.

What is a common criticism of the FPTP electoral system?

It does not always deliver proportional representation of votes.

What does the Alternative Vote (AV) system allow voters to do?

Voters rank candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority, the lowest candidate is eliminated until someone does.

What is the method of voting in the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system?

Voters rank candidates and votes are redistributed based on preferences.

In which electoral system do voters vote for parties rather than individual candidates?

List System (Proportional Representation).

What is the difference between the Supplementary Vote (SV) and the Alternative Vote (AV)?

SV allows voters only two choices, whereas AV allows for ranking preferences.

What trend in voter turnout has been observed?

Overall voter turnout is declining.

What socioeconomic factors influence voter turnout?

Knowledge, skills, time, age, education, income, home ownership, and marriage.

What sense motivates about ¾ of voters to participate in elections?

A sense of duty as citizens.

How has party identification influenced voting likelihood?

Stronger identification increases the likelihood of voting.

What is the 'North-South divide' in party support?

Variations in support for political parties based on economic and cultural differences across England.

What does the Butler-Stokes Model explain?

Party identification and voter behavior based on social characteristics.

How do issue voting and valence voting differ?

Issue voting focuses on specific policy positions, while valence voting relates to perceptions of overall performance.

What is political participation?

Actions carried out by citizens to influence political decision-making.

What are some forms of unconventional participation?

Demonstrating, joining strikes, or boycotting.

How do contemporary citizens engage with political organizations?

Many have little to no contact with parties or political organizations.

What activity shows the least participation among citizens?

Personal violence (0.1%).

What has contributed to the decline in traditional political participation?

Apathy and cynicism towards politics.

What are some new forms of political participation?

Online activism or 'clicktivism'.

What demographic shows different participation trends according to the lecture?

Younger people, often less engaged in conventional politics.

What does the Gallagher’s Index measure?

Disproportionality between party votes and party seats won.

What effects do electoral systems have, according to Maurice Duverger?

Mechanical and psychological effects on how votes are translated into seats and how voters perceive their vote.

Why might voters support third parties?

To send a message or because they are less familiar with the electoral system.

What was the voter turnout trend in the 2015 elections?

A drop in votes for traditional parties and a growth in votes for third parties.

What is one challenge for voters regarding smaller parties?

Many votes for smaller parties may feel wasted due to the FPTP system.

How has party support changed according to recent trends?

Voters are more likely to float from one party to another.

What were the four different party winners in the 2015 elections by region?

Scotland: SNP, Wales: Labour, England: Tory, Northern Ireland: DUP.

What influence does socio-economic status have on voting behavior?

It affects knowledge and skills associated with the likelihood of voting.

What did the lecture suggest about the relationship between party identification and voting trends?

Fewer people strongly identify with a party today.

How do retrospective evaluations influence voting?

They affect perceptions of 'valence' issues versus promises made in party manifestos.

What does the term 'clicktivism' refer to?

Political engagement through online platforms.

What are the common themes in participation inequalities?

Socio-economic status may lead to disparities in engagement and advocacy.

How did the voter turnout in parliamentary elections differ over decades?

Turnout fluctuates significantly, often higher during general elections.

What led to the perceived decline in party support?

Growing dissatisfaction and detachment from traditional party politics.

What is one potential consequence of a declining ideological commitment from parties?

It may lead to voters supporting smaller parties that align more closely with specific issues.

What political phenomena emerged after the 2010-2015 UK government cycle?

Minority or coalition governments formed, affecting perceptions of representation.

Why are smaller parties predicted to grow according to the lecture?

Voters seem less restrained by the argument over wasted votes.

What does the term 'post-materialist values' indicate in political engagement?

A shift in political priorities beyond traditional economic concerns.

How is contemporary voter behavior characterized compared to past decades?

A shift from class alignment to a more dealigned voting behavior.

What does the 'Alford Index' illustrate?

The changing relationship between class and party voting connections.

According to the lecture, what needs to be considered when analyzing regional voting differences?

Differences based on economic and class dynamics across regions.