The purpose of elections
- Created by: rosered8523
- Created on: 06-01-21 11:17
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- The
purpose of elections
- Choosing an elected representative and government
- Candidates will campaign either on their personal beliefs and polices or most commonly their parties manifesto.
- By winning an election, they have a mandate to govern. In most UK elections electing an individual leads to the formation of a government.
- Formation of government is usually by the party with majority. Without this, a number of parties may choose to work together (coalition) in order to govern.
- Legitimising political power
- A legitimate government is formed from a free and fair election. They have the right to exercise power and authority over an area & the people in it.
- Participation of voters is essential in gaining legitimacy. Low turnout will not represent the views of the public and therefore legitimacy is undermined.
- Competition of an election, there must be competing parties and choice for voters.
- E.g. 2010/15 coalition. Neither party won the election, undermining legitimacy. But together they got 59% of the vote which is clear majority.
- Limiting the power of elected reps
- Governments will face reelection, limiting it.
- Though, elections also result in the election of reps who do not form government, who are still legitimately elected officials
- They form the opposition - scuntise & challenge gov. policy.
- Development of political policy
- Part of an election is publishing a manifesto, outlining the polices a party will introduce if elected.
- Public opinion will shape these policies, and a winner is often chosen on these policies
- E.g. 2017 general election, 'dementia tax' (requiring elderly to sell their homes to pay for social care). There was public anger surrounding it, so this policy was abandoned during the campaign.
- Part of an election is publishing a manifesto, outlining the polices a party will introduce if elected.
- Selection of a political elite
- Parties decide who runs in elections under their name, choosing those they feel most likely to win & be successful officals.
- Elections provide an opportunity to ensure they are capable and competent at doing so.
- Elected reps included in the formed government are 'political elite' responsible for the smooth running of the country.
- Holding the current elected reps to account
- Allows for the current office holders to be judged on their performance during their time in office.
- This ensure consequences for the actions that they have taken, and that they can be voted out if their constituents are unhappy.
- Allows for clear connections between officials and voters, ensuring they are represented
- Choosing an elected representative and government
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