UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

What is the term used to describe the tendency of a social class to vote for a party that promotes its economic interests?

1. Floating voters

2. Class voting

3. Valence issues

4. Tactical voting

The correct answer is: Class voting

The term that refers to the tendency of a social class to support a political party that advocates for its economic interests is known as class voting. This concept reflects the way in which individuals within a particular social class may align their voting behavior with parties that they perceive as representing their economic needs or perspectives. For instance, working-class voters might gravitate towards parties that prioritize labor rights, while middle-class voters may lean toward parties offering policies favorable to their economic situation. In contrast, floating voters typically refer to individuals who do not have a consistent voting pattern and may switch allegiance among different parties in various elections. Valence issues are matters that transcend socio-economic divisions, often involving party performance as opposed to class interests. Tactical voting is a strategic decision made by voters to support a candidate with a better chance of winning over another more favored candidate who is unlikely to win, rather than directly aligning with their primary preference. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why class voting specifically captures the aspect of social class aligning with party economic interests.