3.3 electoral system analysis

Question 1

Why has FPTP survived for Westminster elections?

Answer 1

• outcomes it produces usually suit the interests of the two largest parties
• voters accept FPTP because it is familiar and easy to use
• little desire to change it for an untried system that may bring other problems
• the outcome of the May 2011 referendum demonstrated the lack of popular support for change

Question 2

Why was AMS adopted for Scottish and Welsh devolved elections and for the Greater London Assembly?

Answer 2

• it would result in a broadly representative parliament, without involving such a radical change as STV
• pacified the other parties by providing an element of proportionality, but was acceptable to Labour because it retained local representation
• AMS in GLA = it would broadly reflect the views of the population of the capital while retaining an element of geographical representation

Question 3

Why was STV adopted for the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Answer 3

• a highly proportional system
• likely to ensure the broadest possible representation of different parties
• important to avoid single-party domination because of conflicts
• ensures governments are power-sharing bodies drawn from both sides of the divide

Question 4

What has been a big consequence of the adoption of proportional electoral systems?

Answer 4

coalition or minority governments have become much more common in Scotland, Wales and NI

Question 5

What did the SNP have to do in order to pass legislation when it was a minority government

Answer 5

win the support of other parties

Question 6

What are the main roles in the NI parliament?

Answer 6

the first minister and deputy first minister - nominated by the two largest parties, they are equal in status and share governmental responsibilities

Question 7

What impact does different electoral systems of an party representation?

Answer 7

• adoption of fully or partly proportional systems have assisted smaller parties to varying extents
• in the 2015 general election the only third parties that did well were the SNP and the DUP that campaign in particular regions and their support is concentrated
• smaller parties have vested interest in reforming the electoral system but there is little realistic chance of achieving it

Question 8

What impact does different electoral systems of an voter choice?

Answer 8

• AMS allows people two votes
• loads of choice by STV
• STV involves fewer wasted votes than FPTP, and offers greater potential to choose the winning candidate
• SV allows voters a first and a second preference vote
• all other systems provide more choice than FPTP, where voters only get one choice, although in a safe seat this vote has little chance in affecting the expected outcome