Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Rational Choice model of voting behaviour.

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Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Rational Choice model of voting behaviour (25 marks)

The Rational Choice model also known as the judgmental model states that voters will make a rational and educated choice as to who to vote for in elections. This is done through the consideration of different political parties, ideologies, contemporary issues, leaders and past performances. Voters are not suppose to vote according to their gender, age, ethnic group and social class amongst other factors. Furthermore, they should not let emotions get in their way of making a rational decision.

The Rational Choice model is tied with what voters belief is the best political party for their future, which is mutually exclusive to the needs of contemporary society. It can be argued that citizens will naturally want to vote for the party that best satisfy their short and long term needs thus the Rational Choice model is indeed true.

The first example I will give is the 1979 General Election whereby the Conservative Party defeated the Labour party gaining 43.9% of the vote with Margaret Thatcher being elected. Many of the voters decided Labour was incompetent after the serious industrial disputes in winter 1978-9 which was known as “The Winter to discontent”. Voters also felt that Labour was hijacked by union groups and where running rapidly to the extreme left; thus voters made a rational choice by voting for the Conservatives who promise to deal with economic problems effectively, lower unemployment and reduce the powers of union groups.

In 1997, the Conservative after having been in government for 18 years finally got voted out by Labour. At the time, events such as Black Wednesday and European Issues lead to a very serious fall in popularity for the Tories as the public genuinely doubt John Major’s government’s ability to manage the economy. At the same time, they were attracted to New Labour’s renewed image as well as Tony Blair. Voters recognized this was not the Labour party 18 years ago but one that is a lot more moderate. As a result of voter’s rationality in turning down a failed Tory government, Labour gained 43.2% of the vote with Conservatives gaining 30.7% of the vote. Tony Blair was elected Prime Minister.

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The 2009 European Elections and local elections was yet another demonstration of rationality. The United Kingdom under Gordon Brown’s failed leadership just came out from a recession; unemployment was high and the economy was poor. Together with the public’s opposition to further integration with the European Union and unlimited immigration, the Conservatives hammered Labour by gaining 27.7% of the vote. Labour was beaten into third place with only 16.5% of the vote. In the Council Elections, the Conservatives top the results table with 38% of the electoral vote; Labour was beating into third place by the Liberal Democrats only ...

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