Electoral and party systems Flashcards
What are the four main poinst comparing US and UK electoral systems
- FPTP vs Mixed systems
- Prime minister vs Presidental elections
- use of direct democracy
- voter turnout
Give an example for the FPTP system in the UK
In the 2019 General Election, the Conservatives won 43.6% of the vote but secured 56.2% of the seats, showing how FPTP can exaggerate majority rule.
Give an example of the US Mixed election system
In the 2020 Presidential Election, Joe Biden won despite Donald Trump receiving more individual state wins, showing how the Electoral College affects outcomes.
Give an example of Prime minister elections
Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in 2022 without a general election, replacing Liz Truss after a Conservative Party leadership contest
Give an example of a presidential election
Donald Trump won in 2016 despite losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton, highlighting the impact of the Electoral College.
Give an example of the UK’s use of direct democracy - refferendums
The 2016 Brexit Referendum saw the UK vote to leave the EU, but Parliament still had to implement the decision.
Give an example of the US’s use of direct democracy - referrendums, initiatives and recall elections
In 2022, California voters approved Proposition 1, enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution.
Give an example of UK voter turnout - automatic
67.3% turnout in the 2019 UK General Election compared to over 80% in some European countries.
Give an example of US voter turnout - individual
In the 2020 US Presidential Election, turnout was 66.8%, one of the highest in recent decades, despite strict voting laws in some states.
How did 18 year old getting the vote differ in The UK and the US
Both happened around the same time (1971) but in america it was by a constitutional amendment 26th whereas in the UK it was a representation of the people act
