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Allister Heath discusses the view that parties have now abandoned their traditional Left-wing or Right-wing policies in response to changing voter demands; as voters behave more like consumers, parties become more like shops, adopting a 'pick and mix' approach to policy choices and this leads to political party divisions - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
Allister Heath discusses the view that parties have now abandoned their traditional Left-wing or Right-wing policies in response to changing voter demands; as voters... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Allister Heath discusses the view that parties have now abandoned their traditional Left-wing or Right-wing policies in response to changing voter demands; as voters behave more like consumers, parties become more like shops, adopting a 'pick and mix' approach to policy choices and this leads to political party divisions - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare and contrast different opinions in the source
Answer
The source presents contrasting views on how 'pick-and-mix' politics is affecting traditional Left-Right paradigms. On one hand, Heath points out that voters feel empowered to demand a mix of policies, with many opting for combinations that do not fit neatly within traditional political lines, suggesting that politics is increasingly fluid and diverse.
In contrast, he also argues that despite this fragmentation, the Left-Right model remains salient. The embedded political affiliations of established parties still upholding binary ideologies indicate that while the electorate desires change, the parties still operate within their historical frameworks.
Step 2
Examine and debate these views in a balanced way
Answer
Evaluating the above opinions reveals strengths and weaknesses. The notion of a fragmented political landscape emphasizes voters' desire for choice and tailored solutions to specific issues, reflecting a modern consumerist approach to politics. This suggests an evolving political environment.
However, the persistence of Left-Right ideologies demonstrates the difficulty of transitioning to wholly new systems. Established party structures and voter loyalties tether policies to traditional platforms, ultimately limiting the extent to which the electorate can diverge from established norms.
Step 3
Analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
The information suggests that while there is an observable shift towards 'pick-and-mix' politics, the remaining influence of the Left-Right divide cannot be overlooked. Heath suggests that the party system is still heavily dictated by historical ideologies, raising questions about whether true political innovation can occur. The source poses that established parties may struggle to adapt to new voter expectations without sacrificing their core identities, hinting at the potential for ongoing internal conflict as they attempt to reconcile traditional views with contemporary demands.