Elections Flashcards
Roles of elections [6]
- votes converted into representation
- grant legitimacy to single office holders and representative institutions
- allow representatives to be held to account for their actions
- allow citizens to participate and engage in politics
- education in politics
- grant a mandate to the elected government
Positive effects of elections of democracy [6]
- grant legitimacy
- give a clear mandate to govern
- calling government and representatives to account
- offer democratic choices to the people
- provide opportunities to participate in politics
- educate the public
Negative effects of elections on democracy [4]
- elections may not be fair and proportional
- elections often exclude small parties
- mandate granted to governments may give them excessive power
- elections help those with the most financial resources
Distinguish between an election and a referendum [5]
Elections deal with multiple issues - referendums only one
Elections appoint people - referendums don’t
Elections are held at regular intervals - referendums aren’t
Elections have complicated answers - referendums are yes/no
Elections concern political parties - referendums cut party lines
How does FPTP operate [5]
Country divided into 650 constituencies
Each constituency elects 1 MP
Voters choose from a list of candidates
The candidate with the most votes is elected
It isn’t necessary to win a majority of the vote
Characteristics and impacts of FPTP [5]
- % votes not proportional to % seats
- system favours larger parties with concentrated support
- small parties rarely win seats
- creates safe seats which leads to wasted votes
- tends to produce a clear majority government with a clear mandate
Labour won a majority in 2005 with what % of the vote?
35
Conservatives won 36% of the vote in 2010, but what % of seats?
47
Lib Dems won 9% of seats in 2010 but what % of votes
23
Where is AMS used?
Scottish Parliament
Welsh Parliament
Greater London assembly
Where is STV used?
NI assembly
NI local government
Scottish local government
Where is regional list system used?
EU elections
Where is SV used?
London mayor
Explain AMS workings [4]
2/3 of seats are elected through FPTP
Rest elected through regional list
Voters vote for a party and a candidate
Seats in the list awarded in proportion to votes won
Explain workings of STV [5]
Several candidates elected in each constituency
Electoral quota calculated
Voters vote for as many candidates as they win (1 or 6)
Any candidates reaching the quota on 1st preference is elected
2nd and 3rd preferences reallocated until enough have reached the quota
Explain the workings of Regional list [3]
Each party presents a list of candidates in an order of preference
Voters vote for a party rather than a candidate
Seats awarded in proportion to votes for the party
Explain the workings of SV [6]
Used to elect individuals
Candidates must get a majority to win
Voters vote for 1st and 2nd preference
If a candidate has 50% after first preference round they win
If not, all but the top two candidates are eliminated
Second preferences reallocated to give a winner
Features and impacts of AMS [4/3]
Voters have two choices
Result is largely proportional
Helps smaller parties
Retains constituencies
Four party system in Scotland and Wales
Six parties win seats in Greater London assembly
Normally produces 2-party coalitions
Features and impacts of STV [4/3]
Voters have a wide choice
Outcome is very proportional
Voters can discriminate between candidates of the same party
Retains constituencies but everyone should have a representative
5 party system in NI Government
Multi-party systems at local level
Gives rise to power-sharing governments
Features and impacts of Regional List [3/1]
Voters choose parties not candidates
Every vote has the same value
Outcome is highly proportional
6 parties gained seats in EU elections
Features and impacts of SV [2/1]
Each voter has two choices
Winner must have a majority
Successful way of electing individuals with a clear mandate
Arguments for retaining FPTP [5]
Easy to understand
Has successfully existed for a long period of time
Strong MP-Constituency links
Produces single party governments that are strong and stable
Electorate don’t want change (2011 AV referendum)
Arguments for abandoning FPTP [7]
Seats disproportionate to votes wasted votes means votes don't have equal value Gives governments excessive power Out of touch with Europe Discriminates against smaller parties MPs elected on a minority of the vote Turnouts are low
Argument for introducing PR [5]
Fairer, makes votes have equal value
Would produce a more proportional parliament
Would help smaller parties
Preventing single party control reduces chance of elective dictatorship
Brings UK into line with Europe
Arguments against PR [5]
Little appetite for change from British people (2011)
Other systems harder to understand and accept
Too many opportunities for extremist parties
Coalition governments are weaker and more indecisive
Some systems destroy MP-Constituency link
How many votes did Ed Balls lose by in 2015 in Morley and Outwood?
424
