Electoral system analysis (ES 3.3) Flashcards
What are some arguments as to why FPTP has survived for Westminster elections?
- Outcomes it produces usually suit the interests of the two largest parties
- Familiar, easy to use, and little desire to change it for an untried system
Why was STV adopted for the Northern Ireland Assembly?
Highly proportion system, likely to ensure the broadest possible representation of different parties.
> Important to avoid single-party domination in the background of conflict between unionist and nationalist communities, which could have derailed the fragile peace process (1998 Good Friday Agreement)
> Had already been in use in the Republic of Ireland and previously in Northern Ireland
What is one important consequence of the adoption of proportional (and partly proportional) electoral systems, and explain?
Coalition and minority governments have become much more common in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
> In contrast with Westminster, which generally continues to experience strong single-party rule
> However, coalitions have proved to be generally stable, and there have not been frequent changes of government - devolved administrations have mostly served for sustained periods.
Why was AMS adopted for Scottish and Welsh devolved elections, and for the GLA?
AMS was chosen as a comrpomise that would result in a broadly representative parliament, but without involving such a radical change as STV.
> AMS was adopted for the GLA as it had already been selected in Wales and Scotland, broadly reflecting the views of the capital while retaining an element of geographical representation.
Why was SV used to choose elected mayors?
SV was chosen to pick the London Mayor (pre-2024) because it was simpler to use than AV.
> Also preferred as only the top two candidates would make it to the final round after the first; would give the winner a clear mandate.
What is the difference in the way governments are formed and policies are made between England, and Scotland/Wales/NI?
Negotiations between political parties, while rare in Westminster, are the normal way business is conducted in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
How have election results in Scotland since 1999 impacted government rule?
SNP have largely ruled in Scotland alone since 1999, in power since 2007, either in minority or majority government.
> SNP had to win the support of other parties in order to pass legislation (i.e. in 2011, making concessions to the Conservatives and LibDems in order to pass the budget)
How have election results in Wales since 1999 impacted government rule?
Labour has consistently been the strongest party, but the proportional ement of AMS has frequently denied it single-party rule, either governing as a minority or in coalition since its inception.
How have election results in Northern Ireland since 1999 impacted government rule?
1998 Good Friday Agreement requires that representatives of the main unionist and nationalist parties are included in the executive.
> STV guarentees the members of two rival communities are elected, removing the chance for single-party dominance and a potential return to sectarian violence.
> First minister and deputy first minister (seperate parties) are equal in status and share responsibility.
What is the impact of different electoral systems on party representation?
Adoption of partial/fully proportional systems have assisted smaller parties to varying extents
> Smaller parties have a vested interest in reforming the electoral system but little realistic chance of achieving it; 2011 AV referendum had not ecnouraged a public demand for reform.
What is the impact of different electoral systems on voter choice?
AMS allows people two votes, for a constitutency list and a list candidate.
STV offers even more choice, where a preferential voting system allows voters to differentiate not only between parties but also between candidates within the same party, while also reducing ‘wasted votes’.
SV allows voters a first and second preference.
FPTP, voters can only choose one candidate - if they live in a safe seat, which are most seats, they have even less chance of affecting the expected outcome.
FPTP - why is it used, what is its impact on the type of government appointed, and what is its impact on party representation and on voter vhoice?
It is used as it is traditional, simple, delivers strong, decisive government.
Usually results in strong, stable single-party government
Favours larger parties while smaller parties struggle; encourages tactical voting and has wasted votes.
STV - why is it used, what is its impact on the type of government appointed, and what is its impact on party representation and on voter vhoice?
It is used as it is proportional, consensus-based politics.
Tends to produce coalition governments or power-sharing arrangements.
Ensures representation for smaller parties, reducing ‘wasted votes’ leading to a more pluralistic system
> Fairer representation of the political spectrum, with voters ranking parties and candidates.
AMS - why is it used, what is its impact on the type of government appointed, and what is its impact on party representation and on voter vhoice?
It is used as a compromise of FPTP and PR, and that it is more proportional than FPTP, while still relatively simple
Usually produces minority or coalition governments, but can rarely provide majority government
Reduces the dominance of smaller parties, with smaller parties benefitting, and voters getting two votes.
SV - why is it used, what is its impact on the type of government appointed, and what is its impact on party representation and on voter vhoice?
It is used as it ensures majority support, securing a mandate for the winner, while having a broader appeal
SV always produces a single winner, meaning no coalitions or minorities; majoritarian outcome
Favours large parties, with more voter choice than FPTP, yet encourages tactical voting, favouring the top two candidates.
