ELECTORAL SYSTEMS

Question 1

List key features of FPTP

Answer 1

• used in general elections, local elections in England and wales
• vote for representative of constituency
• party which wins majority of constituencies takes government
• simple plurality (winner doesn’t need to get over 50%)

Question 2

List advantages of FPTP

Answer 2

• gives voters clear choice between two parties with distinct manifestos
• MP constituency link - good representation
• winning parties can fulfil manifesto pledges without needing coalition - majority in parliament
• lack of coalitions - strong and healthy governments, less likely to collapse
• extremist parties are unlikely to get into power

Question 3

List disadvantages of FPTP

Answer 3

• not proportional (percentage of votes doesnt reflect percentage of seats), winners bonus - undemocratic
• creates a lot of safe seats and wasted votes
• governments can win with only 35-40% of the vote, so aren’t supported by alot of population
• smaller parties dont have a voice

Question 4

List features of AMS

Answer 4

• considered hybrid system (combines FPTP and proportional voting)
• first vote is for candidate to represent constituency
• second vote is for a political party
• use a formula to allocate correct number of seats
• used in Scottish parliament elections

Question 5

List advantages of AMS

Answer 5

• proportional representation
• greater voter choice - voters can express their preference for individuals and parties
• minor parties get better representation
• may increase voter participation as there are less wasted votes
• still maintains aspect of FPTP?

Question 6

List disadvantages of AMS

Answer 6

• complex for voters to understand
• unequal power - elected members of parliament may have different levels of power depending on whether they were elected through constituency or party list
• might result in divide amongst representatives (people elected in constituencies having more direct mandate than those from party lists)
• possible disproportionalities if a party wins many constituency seats

Question 7

List features of STV

Answer 7

• preferential voting - allows voters to rank
• uses quotas - minimum number of votes required for candidate to secure a seat

Question 8

List advantages of STV

Answer 8

• minority parties are represented - no votes go to waste (reallocated)
• encourage diversity in representation and candidate choice
• eliminates tactical voting (vote according to true preference)

Question 9

List disadvantages of STV

Answer 9

• process of counting and reallocating votes is complex and time consuming
• the preferential voting system may confuse voters (as they are used to voting for only one person)
• can lead to lack of clear mandate for a single party as there is an increased chance of coalitions

Question 10

List features of SV

Answer 10

• use two ballot papers
• if candidate receives over 50% in first ballot, they win
• second reference votes are reallocated from losing candidates to top two candidates
• used in uk for mayoral and crime commissioner elections
• used in New Zealand, Sri Lanka and some parts of the USA

Question 11

List disadvantages of SV

Answer 11

• candidate who has a lot of second preference votes can beat a candidate with more first preference votes
• second choice isn’t always counted (can be wasted)
• limited preferences (only first and second preferences)
• can be complex for voters to understand

Question 12

List advantages of SV

Answer 12

• ensures that elected candidate has broader level of support that FPTP
• ## representation of preferences - can encourage voter participation and led to greater satisfaction