A Level Politics – Comparing Electoral and Party Systems - The rational aspect of elections and electoral systems

A Level Politics – Comparing Electoral and Party Systems - The rational aspect of elections and electoral systems
This guide compares and contrasts election strategies in the US and UK, highlighting similarities and differences.
I. Similarities in Campaign Strategies
A. Targeting Core Voters: Both countries see parties employing policies resonating with their base. Right-wing parties focus on immigration concerns (e.g., Trump's border wall, Cameron/Johnson's immigration reduction plans), while left-leaning parties emphasize social justice and poverty reduction (e.g., Labour's anti-poverty pledges, Democrat's focus on economic inequality).
B. Social Media Utilization: Sophisticated use of targeted social media ads is prevalent in both nations. Examples include gender-specific ads (UK Labour targeting Waspi women) and controversial messaging (Trump's use of "invasion" rhetoric).
C. Emphasis on Leader Qualities: Both countries highlight candidates' personal attributes. Trump's business acumen and Johnson's mayoral experience were frequently touted.
D. Focus on Swing Voters/Marginal Constituencies: Winning swing states (USA) and marginal constituencies (UK) is crucial. Campaign visits heavily concentrated on these areas in both 2019 (UK) and 2020 (USA) elections demonstrate this.
II. Differences in Campaign Strategies
A. Campaign Tone: US campaigns are markedly more personal and vitriolic than UK campaigns. Examples range from Trump's "Lock her up" chants to older examples like anti-Wallace slogans. This heightened negativity is a key distinction.
B. Importance of Midterm Elections: The US system dedicates significantly more resources and attention to midterm elections, crucial for maintaining Congressional control and executive agenda success. The UK, conversely, prioritizes general elections, with referendums playing a less frequent role. The US constitution lacks a national referendum provision, unlike the UK.
III. Key Concepts and Terms

• Swing States/Marginal Constituencies: States/constituencies where the electorate is closely divided, and thus highly influential in determining election outcomes.
• Targeted Advertising: Campaign ads designed to reach specific demographic groups with tailored messaging.
• Core Voters/Natural Supporters: Voters who consistently support a particular party or ideology.
• Midterm Elections: Elections held in the US during the middle of a presidential term, for members of Congress.
• Referendum: A vote on a specific proposal or law.

IV. Study Questions

1. How do the strategies employed by right-wing and left-wing parties differ in both the US and UK? Provide specific examples.
2. Analyze the role of social media in shaping electoral outcomes in both countries. Consider both the similarities and differences in its application.
3. Compare and contrast the level of personal attacks in US and UK election campaigns. What factors contribute to these differences?
4. Explain the significance of midterm elections in the US political system and why they receive less attention in the UK.
5. How does the emphasis on swing states/marginal constituencies influence campaign strategy in both countries?
6. How do the different constitutional frameworks of the US and UK affect the frequency and importance of referendums in each country?

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