The study of political knowledge is an established field of research in the United States, although there is a dearth of such research in Australia. Knowledge of political facts and issues is important for making informed political choices. Age, gender, educational attainment and occupational status all distinguish knowledge of politics in Australia, although their impact varies across domestic and international political issues. Political knowledge also influences political behaviour. At the 2004 federal election, politically knowledgeable Australians were more likely to vote for the Greens than the Coalition in the House of Representatives, and more likely to vote for the Greens than for the major parties in the Senate. Political knowledge also increases the likelihood of voting strategically, particularly for the Labor Party in the House of Representatives and Greens in the Senate.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of Political Science
Volume
42
Pagination
73-88
ISSN
1036-1146
Department/School
School of Social Sciences
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication
Abingdon, UK
Rights statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals