A Level Politics - Comparing Electoral and Party system - The cultural aspect of elections and electoral systems

A Level Politics - Comparing Electoral and Party system - The cultural aspect of elections and electoral systems
This study guide compares and contrasts the cultural aspects of elections and electoral systems in the US and UK, focusing on personalities, candidate selection, and voting behavior.
I. Personalities in Elections

• US: Elections are heavily personality-driven, reflecting the individualistic nature of US society. Presidential systems emphasize candidates' personal qualities, visions, and charisma (e.g., FDR's New Deal, Trump's slogans).
• UK: While increasingly personalized, UK elections remain more party-focused. However, prominent figures like Churchill, Thatcher, Blair, May, and Johnson have also run highly personalized campaigns.
• Televised Debates: Both countries utilize televised debates, but their history and format differ. US debates have a longer history (starting in 1960) and often exclude third parties. UK debates are more recent (2010) and typically include leaders from smaller parties.

II. Candidate Selection

• US: Primaries and caucuses are central to candidate selection, a relatively recent development (last 50 years). Broader voter participation is a key feature.
• UK: Historically, candidate selection has been limited to party members, with declining participation.

III. Voting Behavior: Key Similarities and Differences
Similarities:

• Age: In both countries, younger voters (18-29) strongly favor liberal/progressive parties (Labour/Democrats). This is attributed to policy differences on issues like tuition fees and immigration. Older voters lean towards conservative parties (Conservative/Republican).

Differences:

• Religion: The UK lacks the "religious right" voting bloc seen in the US. Issues like abortion and same-sex marriage are less partisan in the UK due to its more secular nature.
• Race: Ethnic minorities tend to vote Labour/Democrat in both countries, but this is more pronounced in the ethnically diverse US, where mobilizing the minority vote is particularly significant (e.g., Texas, Florida).
• Income: While traditionally wealthier areas in the UK supported the Conservatives and poorer areas supported Labour, the 2019 UK election showed a Tory breakthrough in some economically deprived, ethnically homogenous areas. This mirrors a pattern in the US where some poor, less diverse areas are Republican strongholds (Deep South, West Virginia). This is linked to populist messages of patriotism and "taking back control." Both Conservatives and Republicans face challenges winning over wealthy, well-educated, cosmopolitan voters.

IV. Key Terms & Concepts

• Individualism: A cultural emphasis on individual rights and self-reliance.
• Populism: A political approach appealing to the concerns and prejudices of ordinary people.
• Primaries/Caucuses: Processes used in the US to select party candidates.
• Religious Right: A politically active group in the US advocating for conservative religious values.
• Cosmopolitanism: A worldview emphasizing global interconnectedness and understanding.

V. Study Questions

1. How do the cultural contexts of the US and UK influence their respective electoral systems?
2. Compare and contrast the roles of personality in US and UK elections.
3. Analyze the similarities and differences in voting behavior across age, race, and income in both countries.
4. Discuss the significance of televised debates in shaping public perception of candidates.
5. How do candidate selection processes differ between the US and UK?
6. Explain the rise of populism and its impact on voting patterns in both countries.

To learn more about A Level Politics Click Here