Question

differentiate between General Election and By Election.​

Answer 1

Answer:

General elections

 Function to elect a national government

 Traditionally called by the PM at a time of his choosing (though Fixed-term Parliaments Act

2011 now sets 5-year intervals)

 National focus/campaign

 Usually 60%+ turnout

 Fought across a range of policies and issues (publication of party manifestos etc.)

 Reflects previous 5-year national picture (leadership of parties, policy successes/failures,

economic climate etc.)

 Three main parties dominate the results

 Taken seriously by parties and most of the public, as the next government will be formed

By-elections

 Function to elect a single MP

 Called after resignation/death/departure of the sitting MP e.g. Oldham 2011 after de-selection

of Phil Woolas

 Local focus — although national party leaders will often visit to give support and attention e.g.

Crewe and Nantwich 2008 (Cameron visited several times to ensure victory)

 Low turnout e.g. Manchester Central 2012 was 18%

 Fought across a narrower range of policies, sometimes one issue or a local topic e.g. Blaenau

Gwent 2006 was lost by Labour after a rebellion by local Labour activists against the party's

chosen candidate

 Typically reflect perceptions of the parties at a given moment in time — often act as a minireferendum on the governing party e.g. Lib Dem collapse in Barnsley in March 2011; Labour

collapse during Brown's premiership in Glasgow East 2008 (used by voters to 'send a

message' in support of, or more likely against, parties in Westminster)

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

A normal election is held once in 5 years while a by-election is done when the person in charge dies or quits in the middle of 5 yearsthe election which occurs after the 5years period is called general election.