Differences between general elections and by-elections - AQA AS Government and Politics - GOVP1

Volume 22, Number 4, April 2013


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What are the differences between
general elections and by-elections?
Ian Richards

You can use this material to further your understanding and aid your revision of this topic.

General elections
Function to elect a national government

Traditionally called by the PM at a time…

Often involve protest voting against major parties in support of minor parties e.g. Rotherham
2012 UKIP came 2nd, Lib Dems came 8th
Sometimes taken to reflect broader political trends, and used by the media to predict possible
results at the next general election e.g. Crewe and Nantwich 2008

Taken less…