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Using the source, evaluate the view that opinion polls bring more advantages than disadvantages to elections and referendums - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
Using the source, evaluate the view that opinion polls bring more advantages than disadvantages to elections and referendums. In your response you must: compare and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using the source, evaluate the view that opinion polls bring more advantages than disadvantages to elections and referendums - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
compare and contrast different opinions in the source
Answer
The source presents two perspectives regarding the effect of opinion polls on elections and referendums. On one hand, it emphasizes that opinion polls can influence voter behavior and party tactics, offering a strategic advantage for parties to predict voter preferences. For instance, during the 2017 elections, opinion polls demonstrated their power to sway public opinion and helped parties to adapt their campaigns accordingly.
Conversely, the source also highlights the drawbacks of polls. They can mislead parties into taking risks based on inaccurate information, thus affecting general electoral strategies and potentially lowering voter turnout. The example of the Conservative Party’s reliance on polling during the 2017 elections, which ultimately backfired, illustrates how polls may lead parties to misjudge their prospects.
Step 2
examine and evaluate the views in a balanced way
Answer
Evaluating the advantages of opinion polls, one could argue that they provide essential feedback for political parties, allowing them to adjust their campaign strategies to better align with public sentiment. This ongoing engagement may, in theory, enhance democratic participation by stimulating voter interest.
On the downside, reliance on polls can lead to a distorted perception of public opinion. When polls dominate media narratives, they may encourage tactical voting or disillusionment among voters who feel their true preferences are misrepresented. Additionally, polls have been shown to occasionally mispredict outcomes, as evidenced by the 2017 elections, where opinion polls did not accurately reflect the final vote counts.
Step 3
analyze and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
Critically analyzing the information in the source, it is evident that while opinion polls serve a significant role in the electoral process, they are fraught with pitfalls. The polls discussed reveal that, although they can enhance party strategies and encourage voter engagement, they are equally capable of undermining electoral integrity by instilling a false sense of security among political parties. Ultimately, the evaluation suggests that opinion polls possess both benefits and drawbacks, thus making it essential for parties to approach them with caution and not over-rely on them for strategic decision-making.