electoral systems Flashcards
name four electoral systems
first pas the post (FPTP), single transferable vote (STV), additional member system (AMS), supplementary vote (SV)
define mandate
the authority for a party that wins an election to govern
where is AMS commonly used
in Wales, Scotland and the London assembly
where is STV commonly used
Northern Ireland
where is SV commonly used
for London mayors
what is the purpose of elections
to remedy complaints of corruption in the system
to reflect changing political attitudes
representation
choosing a government and granting it mandate to govern
holding the government to account
an opportunity for democracy/ political participation
describe the majoritarian voting system and give an example
a majority is 50% + 1 to win , likely to produce a two party system e.g SV
describe the plurality voting system and give an example
having more votes than anyone else thus winning but not through having an overall majority , likely to produce a two party system, no majority is required to win a seat e.g. FPTP
describe the proportional voting system and give an example
allocates seats in a manner which roughly reflects the % of voters gained by a party, no purely proportional systems are used in the UK but a number of systems used are more proportional than FPTP e.g AMS, STV
uk general elections should be held ever ? years
5
what voting system does the uk use
FPTP
how does FPTP work
voters cast their vote for a candidate of their choice and the candidate who receives the most votes win
what are 4 advantages of FPTP
- quick and simple (results are declared quicker)
- excludes extremists
- strong constituency link
- promotes stable government
expand on the simplicity advantage of FPTP
a simple system for the voters not a confusing mathematical formula produces a quick result, so voters know how it works + knows their vote will be counted,
increasing political participation/turnout and reducing spoiled ballots
expand on the advantage of producing a strong government by using FPTP
it should produce a strong single party government that can effectively lead the country rather than needing coalitions/ a compromise of parties
expand on the advantage of FPTP producing a strong constituency link
gives a clear link between each area and a representative providing effective local representation + clear accountability to constituents
expand on the advantage of FPTP’s centrist policies
third parties struggle to gain success under FPTP which keeps extremist parties out of office. clear choice between two parties
what are the disadvantages of using FPTP for Westminster elections
limited voter choice
unequal vote value
questionable legitimacy of MP’s
lack of proportionality
expand on the disadvantage ‘lack of voter choice’
the resulting two party system gives voters a lack of real choice leading to reduced turnout or tactical/strategic voting and so not all political opinions are expressed equally
expand on the disadvantage unequal voter value
uneven constituency sizes
one person vote can be more valuable than another
undermines key principles of democracy
expand on the disadvantage lack of proportionality
two main parties are over represented compared to the % of the vote they receive
other parties underrepresented
what are the 4 effects of FPTP
two party system
winners bonus
strong single party government
safe seats & swing seats
expand on the effect two party system and give an example
FPTP = plurality system so seat can be won with small amount of votes (Alistair McDonald he won Belfast south 2015 with 24.5% of votes )
FPTP favours large parties e.g. labour and conservative
expand on the effect winners bonus
FPTP over rewards the winning party , higher % of seats gained by the winning party than the % of votes they won
