Electoral Systems 1 Flashcards
Plurality system
Most out all parties
FPTP
Non-proportional
Proportional representation
Close fit of votes to seats
Multi member constituencies
European Parliament- greens and ukip
Features of the FPTP system?
Plurality votes to win
Single vote
650 constituencies
Characteristics of the FPTP elections
Two party system Winners bonus Bias to labour Smaller part discrimination Single party government
Advantages of FPTP
Simplicity Clear outcome? Strong stable government Responsible Effective representation
Disadvantages of FPTP
Disproportional outcomes -thinly spread votes are under represented Plurality rather than majority -coalition in 2010 was the last majority of 59% Votes are unequal -wasted vote Limited choice -don't choose candidates -safe seats=tactical voting
Features of the alternative vote?
Single member constituencies
Overall majority 50%+1
Vote on preference- 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lowest placed candidate is eliminated and the votes are counted up
Advantages of AV
Majority representation
Broad support
Link between constituents and representative continued
Disadvantages of AV
Non proportional
The least unpopular is elected rather than most popular- second may win
Small extreme party’s will gain seats
Supplementary vote
Votes for first and second choice
All but the 1st and second candidate are eliminated and then second choice votes are taken into account
Highest total is elected
Advantages of SV
Broad support
Minor parties not counted
Disadvantages of SV
Not majority support
Not proportional
When is SV used
Mayor of London
Majoritarian system
Absolute majority, 50%+1
Single member constituencies
Additional member system
The legislative assembly is elected using FPTP
Additional members and elected in multi member constituencies
Additional members are proportional
Advantages of Additional members system
Has the balance of constituency representation and representation
Less wasted votes
Split ticket votes allow more choice- candidate from one party and leader of another
Disadvantages of AMS: additional members system
Small parties underrepresented- multi member have few representatives
Have new electoral systems worked?
Agree:
Much more proportional
Rise in smaller parties
More choice
Engages the population in understanding the system
Have new electoral systems worked?
No:
Not always proportional
Extreme parties can win seats eg BNP in European Parliament
Turn out can be low
Confusing
What is stv or single transferable vote?
The only proportional system- the votes cast / the seats +1
Multi member constituencies
1st 2nd 3rd and last is eliminated
What are the negatives of stv?
Confused the public
More likely coalition
What are the positives of stv?
Much more proportional
Increases representation- stops some religious divides in Ireland.
Where is stv used?
Scottish local elections and Northern Ireland
