Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A voter experiencing conflicting influences from different social or political groups, leading to inconsistent or unpredictable voting behavior. This can reduce partisan loyalty.

The importance voters assign to specific political issues when making electoral decisions.

When voters base their electoral choices primarily on specific policy issues rather than party loyalty or candidate characteristics.

Voter loyalty driven more by dislike or opposition to other parties than attachment to one’s own. This can increase political polarization and voter turnout.

The alignment of individuals’ political beliefs consistently with one party over time.

The way individuals associate themselves with political groups, beliefs, or ideologies.

The process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social influences.

When voters make decisions based on evaluations of past government performance rather than future promises. It emphasizes accountability in democracy.

The tendency of individuals to prefer information that aligns with their existing beliefs and avoid contradictory information. This affects political polarization.

When voters base their electoral choice primarily on one specific political issue, ignoring others.

Voters who do not have consistent party loyalty and can change their vote between elections.

A lack of interest or motivation among eligible voters to participate in elections. It can result from disillusionment, feeling that one's vote does not matter, or lack of information.