Electoral systems Flashcards
Functions of an election (5)
-Representation
-Choosing the government
-Holding a government account
-participation
-Influence over policy
What should a voting system provide (4)
-As fair as possible (equal value to people’s vote)
-a choice of candidates
-effective link between constituents and MPs
-strong government
what is FPTP
Simple plurality system
Flaw of FPTP
Party with the largest number of seats (not necessarily gained the most votes)
-1951 and 1974
How are not all votes of equal value
-voter constituency is roughly 70,000 but there is considerable variation
Advantages of FPTP (4)
-speed and simplicity
-strong and stable government
-exclusion of extremists
-strong link between MPs and their constituents
disadvantages of FPTP (4)
MPs can be elected in less than 50% vote
-lack of proportionality
-limited voter choice
-votes are unequal value
What is additional member system
Hybrid of FPTP and proportional representation
What is single transferable vote
Form of proportional representation that still has constituency but bigger
what is supplementary vote
Majoritarian, not proportional (good for when there is only one candidate)
Where is AMS used
Scottish parliament, Welsh Assembly, Greater London Assembly
Where is STV used
N. Ireland Assembly, European parliament elections in N. Ireland, Scottish council elections
Advantages of STV (3)
Close correlation between votes and seats
-Voter choice is high
-N.Ireland has created a power sharing government
Disadvantages of STV (3)
-Not fully proportional, esp. in smaller constituencies
-Large constituencies, link between member and voter may be weak
-Power sharing may not always work
Example of power sharing NOT working
N.Ireland executive was suspended 2002-2007
