Electoral system Flashcards
Although Boris Johnson won an 80 seat majority, what % of votes did he acquire?
43%
What are the functions of an electoral system?
- to chose representatives
- allow the public to hold the government and representatives to account
- mandate
4 democratic aspects of uk elections
- most adults are permitted to vote
- secrecy of the ballot
- the conduct of elections is safe guarded by the electoral commission which is independent of the government
What are the four types of electoral systems?
- First Past the post
- single transferable vote
- supplementary vote
- additional member system
Define the first past the post system
- The person with the most votes secures the seat
- an absolute majority is not needed
- chose someone to represent their constituency
Define the supplementary vote system
- used to elect one candidate
- an absolute majority for the winning candidate
- voter makes two choices - if one candidate gets 50% the first vote is complete
- however if not, the second vote is cast
Define the single transferable vote system
- allocate seats in direct proportion to votes cast
- rank voting preferences
Where is FPTP used?
general elections and local elections in England and wales
Where is AMS used?
Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Greater London Assembly
Where is STV used?
Scottish Local Council, Northern Ireland Assembly
Where is SV used?
London mayoral elections
Define the additional member system
- first vote using first past the post
- second vote to a party list
In FPTP do the voters chose a party or a candidate?
a candidate
How many constituencies are there?
650
Negatives of safe seats
Little real choice for voters
Statistic e.g of how many seat that (2019) were won by an absolute majority
In 2019 - 421 of 650
Statistic e.g of how many MP’s won a seat with less than 40% majority
2015 - 50 MP’s
3 advantages of first past the post
- simple
- outright winner usually
- representatives focus on constituency isssues
3 disadvantages of FPTP
- parties with dispersed support struggle to win seats
- favours larger parties with concentrated support
- failed to produce a decisive government majority causing a coalition
FPTP favours parties that have - support in certain areas
Concentrated
Example of FPTP favouring parties with concentrated support
2019 General election - Liberal Democrat’s - 11% of votes but only 11 seats
Example of FPTP awarding equal votes to seats
2019 - Labour - 32% of votes - 31% of seats
What is a safe seat?
Almost certain that the same political party will win the seat at every general election
Safe seats estimate - inc year
2019 - estimated 316 of 650 seats were safe
