Elections and referendums

Question 1

electoral systems

Answer 1

• Shape the govt we end up with
• influence the party system and policy agenda
• they give voters choice

Question 2

FPTP

Answer 2

• majoritarian principle
• candidate with the largest vote in each constituency wins the seat (runners up receive no electoral reward)
• because UK is divided into 650 constituencies, its possible for parties to gain large numbers of votes but have few or no MPs

Question 3

AMS

Answer 3

• Hybrid system, mixture of FPTP & list PR
• used to elect members of Scottish and Welsh parliaments
• candidates have two ballots, one with a list of candidates standing to become constituency representative , the second list is a list of parties standing for election in the region
• Westminster style ballots have ‘winner takes all’ basis, regional list ballots are counted and proportional share of votes is calculated, if a party wins fewer seats than its proportion of the votes

Question 4

STV

Answer 4

• Multi member constituencies where voters rank their choices in order of preference
• a quota is then calculated based in number of seats and total votes cast
• if a candidate reaches the quota with first place votes, they are immediately elected and their surplus votes are transferred to other candidates
  If not candidates are immediately elected the candidate worth the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to other candidates.
  The process continues until all seats are filled

Question 5

AV

Answer 5

• Currently used for elections for the elections of chairs to

Question 6

Parliamentary voting system & constituencies Act 2011

Answer 6

• introduced by Lib Dem’s and conservatives
• fixed the number of constituencies at 600

Question 7

What is a referendum

Answer 7

A popular vote on a particular issue, usually requiring a yes/no vote.
Example of direct democracy and is called at discretion of the govt

Question 8

2014 Scottish independence

Answer 8

• Held in Scotland, Sept 2014 following the Scottish independence referendum act 2013, which followed an agreement between the Scottish and UK govts
• This reflected the growing popularity & electoral success of SNP in recent general elections

Question 9

2016 BREXIT Referendum

Answer 9

• Held across UK in 2016 after Conservatives pledged it in their 2015 manifesto
• the referendum was called in response the the growing popularity of UKIP
• The remain campaign was led by ‘Britain stronger in Europe and backed by PM David Cameron & majority of the Labour Party, Conservative Party.
• The leave campaign was led by ‘Vote leave’ by Conservative MPs BJ, Michael Gove & UKIP
• Each campaign Was given the right to spend £7m & given 600k in public funds
• 76% of MPs supported remain
• 72% turnout, with 52% leave votes

Question 10

Why Have referendums been held

Answer 10

• Gives legitimacy to key constitutional changes & govt initiatives
• Party motivations : govt is facing disagreement so hands decisions to ppl
• Deal between parties: Cameron agreed to hold a vote on changing the electoral system because it was demanded by Lib Dem’s for agreeing to the 2010 coalition
• Pressure from public and parliament