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In order to assess the differences, or indeed similarities, between the concepts of party identification theory and a more rational theory of voting behaviour, a number of questions need to be asked. Firstly, what does party identification (or partisanship) mean, and also how can its somewhat ‘antithesis’ concept of rational choice theory be defined? Once these key characteristics are identified an in-depth analysis of any comparisons to be made between the two can be ascertained. More generally the differences between the theories of voting behaviour can be summarised in a number of points. Party Identification, which is based on the Michigan model, can be defined at its most basic level as a belief that ‘party loyalties develop before policy preferences,’ which goes completely against a rational choice view that ‘partisanship is a consequence of policy agreement between voter and party. ’ Already a clear divide between the two schools of thought can be acknowledged. To follow this must be a discussion to understand the more complex differences within the theories and also an analysis as to whether the two, although diverse in many ways, overlap to an extent that both can be said to be vital to the reasons why, and h