3.3 Electoral System Analysis

Question 1

3

Evaluate the view that diff electoral systems should be used in the UK?

do as individual essay

Answer 1

• Wider representation - multi-party systems (UKIP - 1 seat in 2015 GE; 7 seats in 2016 Senedd) vs PR systems lead to extremist parties (e.g. BNP 2009)
• Prevent one party dominance (e.g. SNP have 48% of seats in Scottish parliament; Green support) vs one system of FPTP provides strong/stable govt (e.g. Con 2019)
• Greater voter choice - can vote for smaller candidate (e..g Driscoll) at smaller elecs, influences GEs (e.g. 2021 London Mayor) vs complex issues (2021 Tees Valley mayor 34% turnout)

Question 2

What type of govt is formed by the 4 diff electoral systems?

in UK context

Answer 2

FPTP - single party govt
SV - single candidate
STV - power-sharing
AMS - two-party coalition/one-party minority

Question 3

What is the effect on party representation by the 4 diff electoral systems?

in UK context

Answer 3

FPTP - dominant one party system or two-party system (winner’s bonus)
SV - two party (only 2 candidates in second round)
STV - multi-party
AMS - dominant party (e.g. SNP in Scotland) or three-party (Con, Lab, LD in Wales)

Question 4

What is the effect on voter choice by the 4 diff electoral systems?

Answer 4

FPTP - choose one candidate only
SV - 2 choices
STV - rank candidates in order of preference (ordinal voting)
AMS - 2 votes (one for candidate, one for party)