Elections Textbook

Question 1

What is an election?

Answer 1

An election is a device by which popular votes can be converted into seats awarded to representatives or parties, or used to elect single office holders or political leaders.

Question 2

What is a mandate and how is it usually granted?

Answer 2

A mandate is the authority granted to a candidate or party to implement its manifesto commitments. The mandate is normally granted via election.

Question 3

What is the main function of an election?

Answer 3

Elections are a way in which votes are converted into representation

Question 4

What is the function of an election of a single person such as a mayor?

Answer 4

Elections of a single person, such as a mayor, have the function of granting democratic legitimacy to a single office holder

Question 5

What do other elections return to assemblies such as the EU Parliament?

Answer 5

Other elections return representatives to representative assemblies. E.g. local council, UK Parliament, regional parliament of assembly or the EU Parliament.

Question 6

What do elections grant the government it elected?

Answer 6

When electing a government, they grant a mandate to that government, giving it the authority to implement its manifesto

Question 7

What do elections give the electorate the oppurtunity to do?

Answer 7

1. They give the electorate the opportunity to choose between alternative political programmes and prospective leaders
2. They give opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process

Question 8

What other function do elections perform on the electorate?

Answer 8

They can inform/educate the electorate about political issues

Question 9

How do elections enhance democracy?

(6 points for, 5 against)

Answer 9

Positive features

1. The are a means of granting legitimacy
2. They give a clear mandate to governments
3. They are a means of calling government and representatives to account
4. They offer democratic choices to the people
5. They provide opportunities for participation in politics
6. They educate and inform the electorate on political issues

Negative features

1. They limit choice because parties produce specific manifestos but people may be interested in individual issues
2. In the case of the UK especially, elections may not be fair and proportional
3. Elections often exclude smaller parties
4. The mandate that elections grant to governments may give the excessive power
5. Because of their expense, elections may help those with most financial resources

Question 10

Elections to the UK Parliament - Positive features (4)

Answer 10

They tend to produce a clear winner

They give the electorate a clear choice

They are simple to understand

There is a strong MP-constituency relationship

Question 11

Elections to the UK Parliament - Negative features (4)

Answer 11

Governments are elected on a minority of the popular vote

They discriminate against smaller parties

Too many votes are wasted

MPs are often elected on a minority vote

Question 12

Distinguish between elections and referendums - Issues tackled

Answer 12

Elections

Deal with a wide range of issues

Referendums

Are concerned with a single issue

Question 13

Distinguish between elections and referendums - elected representatives

Answer 13

Elections

Elect representatives

Referendums

Do not elect anyone

Question 15

Distinguish between elections and referendums - when are they held?

Answer 15

Elections

Are held at regular intervals

Referendums

May be held at any time

Question 16

Distinguish between elections and referendums - answers provided

Answer 16

Elections

Give a complex range of answers

Referendums

Give one simple “yes” or “no” answer

Question 17

Distinguish between elections and referendums - party lines

Answer 17

Elections

Concern political parties

Referendums

Usually cut across party differences

Question 18

What is the formal name of First Past the Post?

Answer 18

Its formal name is simple plurality in single member constituencies.