UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

How can the manifesto benefit a government?

1. By providing a reason for funding cuts

2. By legitimizing winning policies

3. By withholding information from voters

4. By complicating the electoral decision-making process

The correct answer is: By legitimizing winning policies

The rationale behind choosing the option related to legitimizing winning policies is grounded in the role of a manifesto in the political process. When a political party outlines its policies and commitments in a manifesto, it serves as a public declaration of its intentions and objectives. This document is crucial for establishing the party's identity and framing its agenda. Once the party wins an election, the manifesto acts as a guiding framework for the government’s actions and decisions. By referencing the manifesto, the government can justify its policies and actions to the public, asserting that they were part of the platform upon which it was elected. This bolsters the government’s legitimacy and fosters a sense of accountability, as citizens expect the governing party to deliver on its promises. The other options do not accurately represent the beneficial functions of a manifesto. Funding cuts wouldn’t typically be justified by a manifesto; rather, policies are generally seen as responding to the needs and priorities outlined in it. Withholding information goes against democratic principles of transparency and accountability. Similarly, while it could be argued that a complex manifesto may complicate electoral choices, that is not a beneficial aspect for a government aiming to establish a clear and effective leadership.