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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 differing perspectives on the role of opinion polls in elections and referendums. On one hand, it suggests that opinion polls can influence voters and parties, leading to tactical voting and altering party positions on policies. The example of the 2017 General Election illustrates how polls initially shaped perceptions of party performance, potentially affecting voter turnout and party strategies.
Conversely, the extract highlights a more positive viewpoint, indicating that opinion polls can accurately reflect public sentiment and guide political parties in understanding their positions relative to others. This is supported by discussions about how polls can help prevent significant political miscalculations.
Step 2
examine and evaluate the views in a balanced way
Answer
Examining both sides, one can argue that while opinion polls provide valuable insights into voter preferences, they also have the potential to mislead. The fact that parties may alter their campaign strategies based on polls can be seen as a strength, allowing them to resonate more effectively with voters. However, this can also result in parties failing to present coherent policies and instead pandering to perceived public opinion, thus undermining genuine democratic engagement.
Further evaluation reveals that the accuracy of opinion polls is contingent on their methodology and the contexts in which they are conducted. Polls that fail to capture demographic changes or shifts in public sentiment may dramatically misrepresent voter behavior.
Step 3
analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
The source indicates a clear perception that opinion polls can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the electoral process. Benefits mentioned include providing a mechanism for voters to gauge party performance, while drawbacks emphasize the risk of parties focusing too heavily on polls rather than substantive policy discussions.
Ultimately, it suggests that while opinion polls can aid in understanding voter dynamics, they may also distort elections by artificially inflating or deflating voter expectations, leading to a potential decrease in democratic accountability as parties prioritize pleasing pollsters over articulating clear policies.