The document which sets out the programme of a political party and guides the electorate to vote for it is the ________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the document that:

• sets out a political party's programme (its plans and promises), and
• guides voters on whether to vote for that party.

Step 2: Explain the concept A manifesto is a public declaration issued by a political party, usually before an election. It states the party's ideology, policies, and promises, and what it will do if elected. Voters use it to compare parties and decide whom to support.

Step 3: Examine each option

• A. Constitution: This is the supreme law of the land. It sets out how the country is governed and the rights and duties of citizens. It is not a party's programme. (A party also has its own constitution, but that covers internal rules, not the campaign programme.)
• B. Electoral register: This is the list of eligible voters. It has nothing to do with party programmes.
• C. Manifesto: This is the party's programme of action, published to win voter support. It matches the question exactly.
• D. White paper: This is a government policy statement, often issued after a commission or committee report. It comes from the government, not from a party seeking votes.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. manifesto.

Exam tip: Link the word "manifesto" with "manifest", meaning to make clear. A manifesto makes a party's plans clear to the public. If a question mentions a party's promises or campaign programme, think manifesto.