3.1/3 - Elections Flashcards
What is a general election?
Full parliamentary elections in which all the seats in the house of commons come up for re election (traditionally every 5 years)
What are developed assembly elections?
Elections to scottish parliament, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies (usually every 4 years)
What are Local Elections?
Elections to district, borough and county councils
Describe a plurality vote
The largest number out of a collective of numbers, a simple majority, not necessarily an absolute or outright majority
Describe a Majority vote?
Voting system in which winning candidates must receive an overall majority of votes (50%+1)
What is a Hybrid Vote?
mixed system which makes use of both plurality and proportional els tents to achieve a more proportional outcome than plurality would alone but less than proportional would alone
What is a proportional vote?
system that tends to represent parties in line with their electoral support
Example and meaning of Propotional vote
where these is a close fit between vote share won and seat share won
(STV and Northern Ireland Assembly)
Example and meaning of Pluarlity system
Where the winning candidate only needs one more vote than the second place candidate
(FPTP)
Give an example and meaning of a mixed system
System that uses both a proportional and a plurality element
(AMS)
Give an example and explanation of Majoritarian system
where the winning candidate must secure at least over 50% of the vote (SV/Metro Mayor)
What are the arguments FOR elections enhancing democracy?
- General elections serve to transfer power from one government to the next in a peaceful and stable way
- Elections are vital channel of communication between government and the people
- Elections play a crucial role in enabling participation which in turn makes elections legitimate
- elections educate the public as one of their key functions
What are the arguments against elections enhancing democracy?
- Elections may not always be successful in forming governments in a stable way
- Doubts have also been raised about the effectiveness of elections in ensuring representation
- Elections may not always be successful in upholding legitimacy due to FPTP and turnout
- Elections can also mis-educate the public with half-truths and “fake news”
Describe the Single Transferable vote and give an example of when it is used?
Voters rank candidates in order of preference, each candidate having to reach a quote and surplus votes from candidates who hit the quote go to second preference candidates. Often elections more than one representative
SCOTTISH COUNCIL ELECTION
NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
Describe and give examples of FPTP
UK divided into constituencies and voters vote for one candidate. Votes in each constituency are counted and added up
LOCAL ELECTIONS IN ENGLAND AND WALES
