Elections 3 Flashcards
Election definition:
A process where people are given the opportunity to choose representatives who will form representative institutions and government
Electoral manifesto definition:
A statement produced by a political party at election times, stating what policies it intends to implement if it gains power
Functions of elections
Electing an MP to represent the constituency
To deliver a verdict on the performance of the government in power
To choose between alternative political programmes
Granting authority to a new government
Example of function of elections: Electing an MP to represent the constituency
Chris Grayling
Example of function of elections: To deliver a verdict on the performance of the government in power
Lib dems 2010-15
Conservatives 2015-17
Example of function of elections: To choose between alternative political programmes
2017 – Labour and Conservative parties have very different programmes
Example of function of elections: Granting authority to a new government
Conservatives given authority to have an in/out referendum
Example of: Winning party has authority to put into effect the commitments in its manifesto
Conservatives cut corporation tax following 2015 election
Example of: Grants authority to the new govt. to do whatever necessary to protect security and welfare of the country
Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 following 9/11
What does it indicate if Sinn Fein does well
Growing support for independence from the UK
What does it indicate if Democratic Unionists gain support
Demonstrates resistance to the demands of a nationalist community
Features of FPTP
Each constituency returns 1 MP
Each party may nominate only 1 candidate in each constituency
Voters have only one vote each
Simple majority / Plurality system
Example of feature of FPTP: Each constituency returns 1 MP
Chris Grayling Epsom
Example of feature of FPTP: Each party may nominate only 1 candidate in each constituency
Under STV, parties often nominate multiple candidates
Example of feature of FPTP: Voter have only one vote each
Under AV, voters vote for their first and second choice parties