Democracy In Scotland- Electoral Systems (Notes)

Question 1

What is the electoral system used for UK general elections commonly known as?

Answer 1

First Past the Post (FPTP)

Question 2

What is the more formal way of saying FPTP?

Answer 2

FPTP is the single member constituency with a simple majority system

Question 3

How does a candidate become a member of parliament?

Answer 3

All they have to do is gain more votes than any rival in that constituency.
There is no need for a candidate to win a majority of the votes cast, which is the case in some electoral systems.

Question 4

Describe a simple majority

Answer 4

For parliamentary elections the uk is divided up into constituencies.
Each of these constituencies elects a single MP, and each voter casts a single vote.
The votes are added up and the candidate with the highest total - a simple majority- not an overall majority, is declared the winner.
Most candidates represent pasties and the party with the most MPs forms the new government.