To what extent is a government’s record in office an important factor influencing how people vote?

This question is about voting behaviour so it is important to show good knowledge of a number of factors that are involved in voting behaviour. As a government's record in office is a short-term factor, it is important to stress the significance of other short-term factors such as the personalities within particular political parties. On this point you could highlight how the importance of this factor has grown within recent years. You may further want to draw attention to the fact that voting behavioural factors may work holistically to influence voting behaviour such as a government's record in office being considered alongside valence issues such as the state of the economy. It is also important to show awareness of long-term factors which may influence voting behaviour such as a voter's class, ethnicity, or their geographical location. However, those answering this question would also score higher by drawing attention to the fact that long-term issues are declining in significance alongside the rise of the 'rational voter'.