6.1 Theoretical approaches

Question 1

3

List the different theoretical approaches

Answer 1

• Rational - individuals (MPs, Congressmen, etc)
• Cultural - groups (voters, parties, pressure groups, etc)
• Structural - institutions and processes within them (Parliament, Congress, SC, etc)

Question 2

2

Describe the rational comparative approach

Answer 2

• individuals will act rationally
• choose to act in a particular way as it will give them a beneficial outcome (self interest)

Question 3

1

Describe the cultural comparative approach

Answer 3

Suggests that the shared ideas, beliefs and values of these groups often determine the actions of individuals within them

Question 4

1

Describe the structural comparative approach

Answer 4

Political outcomes are largely determined by the formal processes laid out within a political system