Elections Flashcards
How many constituencies does the UK have
650
Give 2 advantages of FPTP
Usually produces an outright winner
-less coalitions
Clear mandate
Helps to ensure smaller extremist parties get less representation
Give 2 disadvantages of FPTP
Gives an advantage to parties that have concentrated support in certain regions
- disadvantageous to parties whose support is dispersed widely
Favours larger parties
Not proportionally representative
What type of system is FPTP
Simple plurality system
What percentage of the country voted no to AV in 2011
67.9%
What percentage of the country voted no to AV in 2011
67.9%
What are 3 advantages of STV
Voter has choice for those to represent them- 6 representatives per constituency
- Better representation
Proportional outcome
Very wide choice
What are 2 disadvantages of STV
Complex system that some voters don’t understand
Due to 6 representatives per constituency the lines for accountability aren’t clear
What is the Jenkins commission
Commission to find a new election system
-concluded on AV but rejected
What are 4 arguments for AMS to replace FPTP as the election system
Produces a broadly proportional outcome
Gives voters 2 votes so more choice
Combines preserving constituency representation with a proportional outcome
Helps small parties that cannot win constituency votes
What are 3 arguments AMS replacing FPTP
Produces 2 classes of representatives
-Those elected through constituency and those elected through the lists- latter is usually senior
More complex than FPTP
Can result in election of extreme candidates
Where is STV used
Used in Northern Ireland for its assembly elections
