An exit poll asked a random sample of voters in a competitive congressional district to identify the primary factor that influenced their choice in a recent election. The results are summarized in the table below:
| Primary Influence on Vote Choice | Percentage of Voters |
|---|---|
| The candidate's past legislative achievements and economic performance during their term | 42% |
| The candidate's campaign platform and promises for future healthcare reforms | 28% |
| The voter's desire to support all candidates representing their preferred political party | 20% |
| The voter's personal calculation of how the candidate's tax proposals would affect their household budget | 10% |
Which of the following statements is best supported by the data in the table?
- A plurality of the surveyed voters made their decision based on the retrospective model of voting behavior.Answer
- BA majority of the surveyed voters demonstrated prospective voting behavior when making their decision.
- CParty-line voting was the least common model of voting behavior demonstrated by the surveyed voters.
- DMore than a quarter of the surveyed voters based their decision on the delegate model of representation.
Answer
A plurality of the surveyed voters made their decision based on the retrospective model of voting behavior.
The correct answer is the statement indicating that a plurality of the surveyed voters made their decision based on the retrospective model of voting behavior. Retrospective voting is defined as deciding how to vote based on a candidate's past performance and record. In the table, the largest group of voters (42%) selected the candidate's past achievements and economic performance during their term as their primary influence. Since 42% is the largest percentage among all options, it represents a plurality of the electorate.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Models of Voting Behavior