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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 a... 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 contrasting views regarding opinion polls. One perspective indicates that opinion polls can negatively influence political parties and voting behavior. For example, they can cause parties to alter their strategies in response to polling data, sometimes at the expense of consistency in policy. This adaptability may lead parties to abandon principles in pursuit of voter favor, reflecting how opinions polls might detract from genuine democratic engagement.
Conversely, the second perspective argues for the importance of opinion polls in showing voter preferences accurately. The 2017 polls, despite their flaws, indicated shifts in public support that shaped campaign strategies and responses from political figures. Such responsiveness could be seen as improving democratic representation, as parties adjust to actual voter sentiments.
Step 2
examine and evaluate the views in a balanced way
Answer
While argument exists regarding the reliability of polls, it is essential to acknowledge their role in modern politics. Polls can mislead if voters tactically alter their choices based on anticipated outcomes. This may pressure political entities into short-term decision-making rather than adhering to long-term principles. Nonetheless, they also encourage transparency by showcasing public opinion trends, highlighting which policies are resonating or faltering. This feedback loop can potentially invigorate political discourse.
The inherent inaccuracies of polling can also exacerbate pre-existing divides, showcasing biases that might not reflect the views of the entire electorate. The phenomenon of tactical voting, primarily when one party leads, suggests that polling data invoke strategic behaviors that can ultimately suppress honest voting, undermining the democratic process.
Step 3
analyze and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
From the source, it is clear that while opinion polls can offer valuable insights into public sentiment, they also raise concerns regarding their impact on political integrity and voter turnout. The source illustrates the duality of the role of polls: as instruments that can enhance democratic representation by capturing voter trends, but also as tools that can mislead or manipulate both voters and parties alike. The evaluation suggests that to foster a healthier electoral environment, a careful balance must be struck where the utility of opinion polling is not at odds with the principles of genuine democratic engagement.