Elections and Referendums Flashcards
What is the definition of a Majoritarian Electoral System?
An electoral system in which the candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency is elected. For example, FPTP (First-Past-the-Post). Those that come second or lower gain no seats, hence it is also sometimes termed a ‘winner takes all’ system.
What is the definition of a Proportional Electoral System?
An electoral system that calculates the number of MPs or elected representatives by the actual number of votes each party receives. For example, List PR (PR meaning proportional representation).
What is the definition of Suffrage?
The right to vote. Universal suffrage effectively equates to democracy.
What is the definition of Participation?
The various ways that people can get involved in the political process. These can range in scale from standing for elected office to signing an e-petition. The most central form of participation is voting in elections.
What is Voting Behaviour?
The analysis of why people vote the way they do. Voters are placed in categories to allow comparison.
What is a Manifesto?
The set of policies a political party promises to implement if elected to office.
What is a Campaign?
Working in an organised way towards a political goal. Alongside election campaigns, many MPs also choose to get involved with other campaigns reflecting their own interests and priorities or those of their constituency.
What is a Referendum?
A direct public vote on a policy measure; this is the opposite of representative government.
