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
give two examples of winners bonus
1997 - labour won 43% of the votes but 63% of seats
2015 - conservative won 37% of votes but 51% of seats
expand on the effect safe sweats & swing seats + give examples
safe seats are those which a particular party can guarantee victory due to voter loyalty e.g. Witney , East Surrey
swing seats are those where voter loyalty is more evenly split between parties e.g. croydon central
how does AMS work
two votes one uses FPTP to elect an MSP , one uses a list system (v.proportional) that decides on representatives uses the D’Hondt formula
what are the advantages of AMS
proportional result ( % of votes match up with % of seats won )
more voter choice (more parties are represented)
greater government legitimacy
greater representation (minority parties given more of a chance)
what are the disadvantages of AMS
more complicated (does not encourage political participation)
coalitions more likely (so government is weaker)
has FPTP’s issues
two tiers of representatives (blurs accountability)
how does STV work
NI divided into 18 large multi member regions each sending 6 representatives to the NIA , voter is given a ballot they cast the ballot by numbering candidates to win a candidate needs to achieve the ‘droop quota’
what are the advantages of STV
very proportional (increased legitimacy)
high level of voter choice
has enabled rivals in NI to create a power sharing govt
what are the disadvantages of STV
weak constituency link
NI govt still prone to arguments
complicated
how does SV work
two columns of boxes alongside candidates name on ballot paper
X for 1st favourite X 2nd box for 2nd favourite
first to reach 50% + 1
what are the advantages of SV
ensures broad support for the winner (can claim strong mandate)
simple and straightforward
allowed independent candidates to win
what are the disadvantages of SV
not proportional
two party dominance
false majority some votes aren’t counted (wasted votes = large number)
AMS is a compromise between _____ and ____ and allowed ____ to play a part in the Scottish govt until ____
labour , SNP , labour , 2007 (lost seats to SNP)
what was the impact of introducing PR systems on governments
has led to a greater number of coalition or minority governments being formed in the regions using them
strong single party governments formed by AMS led to discussions if it should replace FPTP
Wales & Scotland pressured further power to be devolved to them (Wales = gaining primary legislative , Scotland = independence ref )
what was the impact of introducing PR systems on parties
- number of nationalist parties successfully competing in elections has increased e.g. DUP & SNP gained more influence
- smaller parties have become ‘king makers’ exercise power beyond electoral success suggests they should have
- minor parties more recognised
- conservative gained more seats in Scotland after AMS now 2nd largest party
