UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a participation crisis?

1. High voter turnout in all elections

2. Voter turnout of 77.7% in the 1992 general election

3. Low participation in a specific political party

4. Declining voter turnout over consecutive elections

The correct answer is: Declining voter turnout over consecutive elections

A participation crisis refers to a significant decline in public engagement in political processes, particularly evidenced by lower voter turnout across elections. Declining voter turnout over consecutive elections underscores a growing apathy or disillusionment among the electorate, suggesting that fewer citizens feel motivated to exercise their democratic rights. This trend highlights a systemic issue where individuals may not see value in participating in elections, possibly due to a lack of trust in political parties, dissatisfaction with candidates, or broader societal disengagement. By examining the other options, it's evident they do not illustrate a participation crisis. High voter turnout in all elections would signal robust political engagement rather than a crisis. A voter turnout of 77.7% in the 1992 general election, while noteworthy, does not itself indicate a decline in participation, as it reflects a relatively healthy turnout for that period. Low participation in a specific political party could suggest issues within that party but does not account for overall electoral engagement across all parties. Therefore, the declining trend in voter turnout across multiple elections is the clearest indicator of a participation crisis.