Electoral Systems 1

Question 1

Plurality system

Answer 1

Most out all parties
FPTP
Non-proportional

Question 2

Proportional representation

Answer 2

Close fit of votes to seats
Multi member constituencies
European Parliament- greens and ukip

Question 3

Features of the FPTP system?

Answer 3

Plurality votes to win
Single vote
650 constituencies

Question 4

Characteristics of the FPTP elections

Answer 4

Two party system
Winners bonus 
Bias to labour
Smaller part discrimination 
Single party government

Question 5

Advantages of FPTP

Answer 5

Simplicity 
Clear outcome? 
Strong stable government
Responsible 
Effective representation

Question 6

Disadvantages of FPTP

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Features of the alternative vote?

Answer 7

Single member constituencies

Overall majority 50%+1

Vote on preference- 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Lowest placed candidate is eliminated and the votes are counted up

Question 8

Advantages of AV

Answer 8

Majority representation
Broad support
Link between constituents and representative continued

Question 9

Disadvantages of AV

Answer 9

Non proportional

The least unpopular is elected rather than most popular- second may win

Small extreme party’s will gain seats

Question 10

Supplementary vote

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Advantages of SV

Answer 11

Broad support

Minor parties not counted

Question 12

Disadvantages of SV

Answer 12

Not majority support

Not proportional

Question 13

When is SV used

Answer 13

Mayor of London

Question 14

Majoritarian system

Answer 14

Absolute majority, 50%+1

Single member constituencies

Question 15

Additional member system

Answer 15

The legislative assembly is elected using FPTP

Additional members and elected in multi member constituencies

Additional members are proportional

Question 16

Advantages of Additional members system

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Disadvantages of AMS: additional members system

Answer 17

Small parties underrepresented- multi member have few representatives

Question 18

Have new electoral systems worked?

Agree:

Answer 18

Much more proportional

Rise in smaller parties

More choice

Engages the population in understanding the system

Question 19

Have new electoral systems worked?

No:

Answer 19

Not always proportional

Extreme parties can win seats eg BNP in European Parliament

Turn out can be low

Confusing

Question 20

What is stv or single transferable vote?

Answer 20

The only proportional system- the votes cast / the seats +1
Multi member constituencies
1st 2nd 3rd and last is eliminated

Question 21

What are the negatives of stv?

Answer 21

Confused the public

More likely coalition

Question 22

What are the positives of stv?

Answer 22

Much more proportional

Increases representation- stops some religious divides in Ireland.

Question 23

Where is stv used?

Answer 23

Scottish local elections and Northern Ireland