3.3Electoral system analysis

Question 1

why has FPTP survived foe Westminster elections?

Answer 1

• the outcome it produces suits the largest 2 parties two the 2 parties are less likely to offer referendums to change this
• FPTP is familiar and easy to use

Question 2

why was AMS adopted for Scottish and welsh dissolved elections and London assembly

Answer 2

• AMS was the price labour paid for winning acceptance of its devolution plans from other political parties. it was chosen in a compromise that would result in a broadly representative parliament.
• was chosen for Wales as support for devolution was much weaker
• chosen for London to reflect the views of people in the capital

Question 3

why was STV adopted for the Northern Ireland assembly

Answer 3

• chosen after the 1998 good Friday agreement because it is very proportional, enabling the interest parties in the background of unionist and nationalist violence

Question 4

why was SV chosen to elect mayors

Answer 4

• it was easier to use and it would always b between the top 2 candidates

Question 5

What’s an example of FPTP being clearly unrepresentative

Answer 5

2024, labour got 33.7% of vote, yet 63% of the seats
Reform got 14.3% of the vote, but 0.8% of the seats (5)

Question 6

What’s an EG of additional member system being more representative

Answer 6

• 1999 Scottish parliament election, conservatives won 0 constituency MPs despite getting 15.6% of vote, but won 18 AMS in order to correct this, leaving them with receiving 14% of seats overall

Question 7

How is voter choice limited under FPTP

Answer 7

• only get one vote, pressure group “make votes matter” calculated 1/5 of voters voted tactically and 58% of people who voted ended up with an MP they didn’t want

Question 8

What was the result of the 2011 AV referendum

Answer 8

68% rejected the change, on a 42% turnout

Question 9

How is FOTP quick and effective

Answer 9

Day after election at 12:40, starmer was in Downing Street to announce labours victory

Question 10

What’s an eg of FPTP allowing for there to be strong single party governments

Answer 10

• 1980s, enabled thatcher to make changes to economy, 1997 allowed Blair to make constitutional reforms
• 2024, labours 174 seat majority didn’t face a lot of public backlash