Electoral systems

Question 1

Key term:

What does accountability mean?

Answer 1

The responsibility of government officials to be answerable to the public and other branches of government for their actions and decisions.

Question 2

Key term:

What does mandate mean?

Answer 2

The authority given to a political leader or party by the voters to carry out their proposed policies or actions after winning an election.

Question 3

Key term:

What does majority mean?

Answer 3

More than half of the total votes or seats in a particular context, such as the number of seats in Parliament needed to form a government.

Question 4

Key term:

What does legitimacy mean?

Answer 4

The acceptance and recognition by the public or other political actors that a government or leader has the right to rule, often based on elections or other legal processes.

Question 5

Key term:

What does participation mean?

Answer 5

The involvement of citizens in political processes, such as voting, campaigning, or engaging in political discussions.

Question 6

Key term:

What does turnout mean?

Answer 6

The percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election.

Question 7

Key term:

What does first-past-the-post (FPTP) mean?

Answer 7

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even if they don’t have an overall majority.

Question 8

Key term:

What does plurality mean?

Answer 8

When a candidate or party has the most votes in an election, but not necessarily more than half (i.e., not a majority).

Question 9

Key term:

What does constituency mean?

Answer 9

A geographical area that elects a representative to a legislative body, such as a parliamentary seat.

Question 10

Key term:

What does Single-member constituency mean?

Answer 10

A type of electoral system where each constituency elects only one representative to a legislative body.

Question 11

Key term:

What does minority government mean?

Answer 11

A government formed by a party that does not have a majority of seats in the legislature and must rely on support from other parties to pass laws.

Question 12

Key term:

What does a coalition mean?

Answer 12

An agreement between two or more political parties to work together to form a government, usually because no single party has a majority.

Question 13

Key term:

What does a safe-seat mean?

Answer 13

A parliamentary seat that is likely to be won by the same political party in each election, often because of strong support in that area.

Question 14

Key term:

What does marginal seat mean?

Answer 14

A seat in an election that is closely contested between different parties, with no clear favorite to win.

Question 15

Key term:

What does a spoiled ballot mean?

Answer 15

A vote that is invalid because it has been marked incorrectly or in a way that makes it impossible to determine the voter’s intention.

Question 16

Key term:

What does Additional member system (AMS) mean?

Answer 16

A mixed electoral system where voters have two votes: one for a candidate in a constituency (like FPTP) and another for a party list, which provides proportional representation.

Question 17

Key term:

What does supplementary voting (SV) mean?

Answer 17

A voting system where voters choose a first and second preference. If no candidate wins a majority, all but the top two candidates are eliminated, and second-preference votes are counted.

Question 18

Key term:

What does referendum mean?

Answer 18

A direct vote by the people on a specific issue or proposal, often related to changes in law or the constitution.

Question 19

Key term:

What does elections mean in the UK?

Answer 19

The process where people vote to choose their representatives, such as Members of Parliament (MPs), in national or local government positions.

Question 20

Key term:

What does electoral system mean?

Answer 20

The method used to count votes and decide who wins an election. In the UK, this is often First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) for general elections, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins.

Question 21

Key term:

What does party system?

Answer 21

A group of people with similar political ideas who work together to gain power in government by contesting elections. Examples include Labour, Conservative, and the Green Party.

Question 22

Purposes of elections:

What are the purposes of elections? e.g. representation (use two examples)

Answer 22

Elections ensure that citizens elect representatives who will speak on their behalf in government.

In the 2019 General Election, voters across the UK elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party won a majority, with Boris Johnson leading the government and representing public views on Brexit and other key policies.

In local council elections like the 2021 Islington election, voters chose local councillors who would handle issues like housing, education, and public services. This ensured that local concerns were addressed by those elected.

Question 23

Purposes of elections:

What are the purposes of elections? e.g. legitimacy (use two examples)

Answer 23

Elections grant politicians and political parties the legitimacy to govern based on the people’s mandate.

The 2015 General Election provided the Conservative Party with a mandate to govern, allowing Prime Minister David Cameron to implement policies like austerity and to call for the 2016 EU referendum, where the public decided on the UK’s membership in the EU.

The 2016 Brexit referendum gave the government the legitimacy to initiate Brexit negotiations. With 51.9% of voters choosing to leave the EU, the result granted the UK government the authority to pursue Brexit, reflecting the will of the electorate.

Question 24

Purposes of elections:

What are the purposes of elections? e.g. accountability (use two examples)

Answer 24

Elections provide an opportunity for the public to hold political leaders accountable for their actions and decisions in office.

In the 2017 General Election, the Conservative Party lost its majority, a signal of public dissatisfaction with how Brexit was being handled. This loss forced the government to reconsider its approach and strive for more consensus with other parties.

In the 2021 London Mayoral Election, Sadiq Khan was re-elected as mayor with a strong vote share, which confirmed public approval of his policies and leadership. Had voters been dissatisfied, they could have chosen to elect a different candidate, demonstrating how elections hold leaders accountable.

Question 25

Where is each electoral system used:

Where is FPTP used?

Answer 25

UK General Elections (House of Commons)

Question 26

Where is each electoral system used:

Where is AMS used?

Answer 26

Scottish Parliament, Senedd (Welsh Parliament)

Question 27

Where is each electoral system used:

Where is STV used?

Answer 27

Northern Ireland Assembly, Local Elections in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Question 28

Where is each electoral system used:

Where is SV used?

Answer 28

London Mayoral Elections, Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

Question 29

Type of system:

What kind of electoral system is FPTP?

Answer 29

Plurality - The candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don’t have more than half.

Question 30

Type of system:

What kind of electoral system is AMS?

Answer 30

Proportional - Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes a party or candidate receives.

Question 31

Type of system:

What kind of electoral system is STV?

Answer 31

Proportional - Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes a party or candidate receives.

Question 32

Type of system:

What kind of electoral system is SV?

Answer 32

Majoritarian - The candidate needs to get more than half of the votes to win.

Question 33

Government formed:

What kind of government does FPTP form?

Answer 33

It forms a majoritarian government, where the candidate with the most votes wins, often leading to a single-party majority.

Question 34

Government formed:

What kind of government does AMS form?

Answer 34

It forms a mixed government, combining both majoritarian and proportional elements to balance local and party representation.

Question 35

Government formed:

What kind of government does STV form?

Answer 35

It forms a proportional government, ensuring more representative outcomes by allocating seats based on vote share.

Question 36

Government formed:

What kind of government does SV form?

Answer 36

It forms a majoritarian government, where voters rank candidates and the top two compete in a second round, ensuring a majority winner.

Question 37

Plurality system:

What is the First-past-the-post system?

Answer 37

Voters choose one candidate in their local area (constituency), and the candidate with the most votes wins. The winner does not need a majority, just more votes than any other candidate.

Question 38

Plurality system:

How does the first-past-the-post system work?

Answer 38

You vote for one candidate in your local area (constituency).

The candidate with the most votes wins.

No need for a majority; just more votes than anyone else.

Question 39

Plurality system:

What are the advantages of the first-past-the-post system? e.g. clear winner and political stability (use two examples)

Answer 39

2019 UK General Election:

In the 2019 UK General Election, the Conservative Party secured 43.6% of the vote, gaining 365 seats and achieving a majority in the House of Commons. This allowed Boris Johnson to form a stable majority government. The lack of coalition negotiations provided the government with the ability to govern without the usual political gridlock. The outcome enabled quicker decision-making, especially crucial for handling Brexit.

2015 UK General Election:

In the 2015 General Election, the Conservative Party won 51% of the seats in the House of Commons with only 36.9% of the national vote. While this created a disproportionate outcome, the Conservative Party was able to form a majority government. The system provided a clear mandate for the party to implement policies like austerity and proceed with Brexit. This simplicity facilitated a stable transition without lengthy negotiations.

Question 40

Plurality system:

What are the advantages of the first-past-the-post system? e.g. simplicity and accessibility (use two examples)

Answer 40

2015 UK General Election:

The 2015 UK General Election saw a voter turnout of 66.1% as FPTP’s simplicity made voting accessible. Voters marked an “X” beside their chosen candidate, making it easy for a wide demographic to participate. The straightforwardness of FPTP reduced the likelihood of confusion or spoiled ballots. The simplicity contributed to high voter engagement and participation.

2017 UK General Election:

In the 2017 General Election, despite political uncertainty, the FPTP system remained simple for voters to understand. This simplicity ensured that voters could easily choose a candidate, leading to a 68.7% voter turnout. The ease of understanding the process helped voters feel confident in their participation. The system’s straightforward nature encouraged democratic engagement.

Question 41

Plurality system:

What are the disadvantages of the first-past-the-post system? e.g. Disproportionate Representation (use two examples)

Answer 41

2015 UK General Election:

In 2015, UKIP received 12.6% of the national vote but only secured 1 seat in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party won 36.9% of the vote but gained 51% of the seats. This disparity illustrated how FPTP can distort the relationship between votes and seats. Smaller parties like UKIP struggled to translate their vote share into meaningful representation.

2019 UK General Election:

In the 2019 election, the Green Party gained 2.7% of the vote but only won 1 seat, while the Conservative Party gained 43.6% of the vote and secured 365 seats. This result highlighted the winner-takes-all nature of FPTP. Larger parties are often overrepresented, while smaller parties fail to reflect their actual support in Parliament. Disproportionality under FPTP leads to frustration for voters whose preferences aren’t accurately represented.

Question 42

Plurality system:

What are the disadvantages of the first-past-the-post system? e.g. Wasted Votes (use two examples)

Answer 42

2019 UK General Election:

Over 50% of votes were wasted in the 2019 UK General Election, including votes cast for losing candidates and votes for winning candidates beyond what was needed to win. Voters in solidly Labour constituencies essentially had their votes “wasted.” This underlined the issue of wasted votes in FPTP, especially in constituencies with clear outcomes. Voter apathy grew in areas where one party had a dominant hold.

2017 UK General Election:

In the 2017 General Election, the Labour Party received 40% of the vote but only 29% of the seats, illustrating the waste of votes for those who voted for losing candidates. Many votes for Labour were “wasted” in constituencies where they did not win or won with overwhelming majorities. FPTP does not account for the total number of supporters for losing parties. This led to disillusionment, as many voters felt their votes didn’t impact the outcome.

Question 43

Proportional electoral systems:

What is the additional-member system?

Answer 43

A mix of FPTP and proportional representation. Voters have two votes: one for a local candidate (FPTP) and one for a political party (proportional). This system tries to make the overall result more proportional.

Question 44

Proportional electoral systems:

How does the AMS work?

Answer 44

You get two votes: one for a local candidate (like FPTP) and one for a political party.

The local candidate with the most votes wins.

Some extra seats are added to make sure the overall results match the percentage of votes parties received.

Question 45

Proportional electoral systems:

What are the advantages of AMS? e.g. greater voter choice (use two examples)

Answer 45

2021 Welsh Parliament Election:

In the 2021 Welsh Parliament election, voters had the opportunity to cast two votes: one for a constituency representative and another for a regional party list. This system gave voters more flexibility in expressing their preferences. It allowed voters to select both a local candidate they supported and a party they backed on a national level. This increased voter choice, promoting diversity in representation.

2016 Scottish Parliament Election:

In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, voters used the Additional Member System (AMS) to choose both constituency candidates and regional party lists. The Greens secured additional seats through the proportional regional vote, even without winning any constituencies outright. AMS offered voters the chance to vote for both local and national representation. This increased the diversity of views represented in the Scottish Parliament.

Question 46

Proportional electoral systems:

What are the advantages of AMS? e.g. Proportional representation (use two examples)

Answer 46

2021 Scottish Parliament Election:

In the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, the Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats, reflecting 47% of the vote, thanks to AMS. Smaller parties, such as the Greens, gained 8 seats based on proportional representation, despite not winning any constituencies. AMS helped ensure a fairer representation of the electorate’s preferences. This combination of FPTP and proportional voting allowed for a more balanced parliament.

2016 Scottish Parliament Election:

In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the Conservative Party gained 22.2% of the vote and won 24 seats, a result that was more proportional than under FPTP. This outcome was a fairer reflection of their voter support compared to FPTP, where the party would have won fewer seats. The proportional element of AMS reduced the wasted vote effect. Smaller parties also gained more representation under this system.

Question 47

Proportional electoral systems:

What are the disadvantages of AMS? e.g. Complexity for Voters (use two examples)

Answer 47

2016 Scottish Parliament Election:

Voters in Scotland were required to cast two votes: one for a constituency candidate and another for a proportional party list. Some voters found this system confusing, leading to mistakes or misinterpretation. The dual voting system added complexity to the election process. This could discourage less experienced voters or those unfamiliar with proportional representation systems.

2021 Welsh Parliament Election:

The use of both constituency and regional votes in Wales added complexity to the voting system. Voters unfamiliar with proportional representation could struggle with understanding the mechanics of the system. This confusion could potentially lead to mistakes or lower participation rates. The complexity of the system reduced its accessibility for some voters.

Question 48

Proportional electoral systems:

What are the disadvantages of AMS? e.g. Coalition Governments and Instability (use two examples)

Answer 48

2016 Scottish Parliament Election:

Despite the SNP winning a majority of constituency seats, they had to rely on smaller parties, like the Greens, for legislative support. This reliance on coalition partners led to compromises and negotiations, which sometimes resulted in gridlock. The proportional nature of AMS encouraged a more fragmented parliament. The system’s reliance on coalition politics slowed down decision-making and policy implementation.

2021 Scottish Parliament Election:

In 2021, the SNP required support from smaller parties, like the Scottish Greens, to pass legislation. This coalition arrangement led to policy compromises, which sometimes didn’t fully align with the SNP’s original agenda. Coalition governments can slow down the political process, as parties with different ideologies must negotiate. This reliance on other parties can create instability and frustrate voters seeking more decisive governance.

Question 49

Proportional electoral systems:

What is single-transferable vote?

Answer 49

Voters rank candidates in order of preference. In multi-member areas, if a candidate gets enough votes (quota), they win. If there are remaining seats, votes for losing candidates are transferred to voters’ next preferences.

Question 50

Proportional electoral systems:

How does STV work?

Answer 50

You rank candidates in order of preference.

If a candidate gets enough votes (called a “quota”), they win.

If there are remaining seats, the lowest-scoring candidates are eliminated, and their votes go to the next preferred candidate.

Question 51

Proportional electoral systems:

What are advantages of STV? e.g. Highly Proportional Representation (use two examples)

Answer 51

2020 Irish General Election:

In the 2020 Irish General Election, voters ranked candidates by preference. If a first-choice candidate didn’t win, their second-choice vote was still considered, ensuring each vote contributed to the result. This system minimized the disparity between vote share and seat allocation. Sinn Féin’s increased representation from 23 seats in 2016 to 37 in 2020 was a clear example of STV’s ability to reflect the public’s preferences accurately.

2019 Northern Ireland Assembly Election:

In the 2019 Northern Ireland Assembly election, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin gained seats in direct proportion to their vote share. This avoided the exaggerated outcomes seen in FPTP. Smaller parties also secured representation, ensuring that their votes were fairly reflected. STV’s proportional representation enhanced the fairness of the election process.

Question 52

Proportional electoral systems:

What are advantages of STV? e.g. Encourages Voter Choice and Eliminates “Tactical Voting” (use two examples)

Answer 52

2020 Irish General Election:

In the 2020 Irish General Election, where voters used STV, people were free to rank candidates based on their genuine preference without worrying about wasting their vote on a candidate unlikely to win. If their first-choice candidate didn’t win, their vote was transferred to their second or third choice, ensuring it still counted. This system encourages more authentic voting behaviour, as voters no longer need to worry about “strategic” voting to prevent the candidate they dislike from winning.

2019 Northern Ireland Assembly Election:

In the 2019 Northern Ireland Assembly Election, STV allowed voters to rank their preferred candidates, leading to less tactical voting. Voters could express their true preferences, knowing that their vote would still count even if their top choice didn’t win the seat. This reduced the incentive for tactical voting, where voters might otherwise have been forced to choose a candidate solely to block another, rather than based on preference.

Question 53

Proportional electoral systems:

What are disadvantages of STV? e.g. Complexity of Counting (use two examples)

Answer 53

2020 Irish General Election:

The counting process for the 2020 Irish General Election was complex, as it required multiple rounds of counting, vote redistribution, and elimination of candidates. This process took several days to finalize the results. The complexity of the counting method left voters frustrated due to delays. The lengthy process of determining outcomes raised concerns about the system’s efficiency.

2019 Northern Ireland Assembly Election:

Similarly, in the 2019 Northern Ireland Assembly election, the counting process for STV was complex and took days to complete. The need for multiple rounds of redistribution caused delays in finalizing the election results. This lengthy process led to uncertainty and confusion for voters. The delay in final results could undermine confidence in the fairness and efficiency of the system.

Question 54

Proportional electoral systems:

What are disadvantages of STV? e.g. Potential for Fragmentation and Smaller Parties Gaining Influence (use two examples)

Answer 54

2020 Irish General Election:

In the 2020 Irish General Election, Sinn Féin gained significant influence, increasing their seat count from 23 to 37. Despite not winning a majority of the vote, their growth reflected the proportional nature of STV. However, this led to a fragmented parliament, with no single party holding a clear majority. The increased influence of smaller parties made negotiations more challenging and contributed to a less stable political environment.

2019 Northern Ireland Assembly Election:

In the 2019 Northern Ireland Assembly election, smaller parties like the Alliance Party gained representation, leading to a more fragmented assembly. This fragmentation required more negotiations and power-sharing agreements to form a government. The influence of smaller parties led to compromises and slower decision-making. This power-sharing dynamic made it harder to pass legislation and created instability in the political process.

Question 55

Majoritarian systems:

What is supplementary vote?

Answer 55

Voters choose a first and second preference. If no candidate gets more than half the votes, all but the top two candidates are eliminated. Then, second-choice votes are counted to decide the winner.

Question 56

Majoritarian systems:

How does SV work?

Answer 56

You vote for your first and second choice candidates.

If no candidate gets more than half the votes, only the top two candidates remain.

Second-choice votes from eliminated candidates are added to the top two to decide the winner.

Question 57

Majoritarian systems:

What are the advantages of SV? e.g. Majority Support for the Winner (use two examples)

Answer 57

2016 London Mayoral Election:

Sadiq Khan won the election with 56.8% of the vote after second-choice votes were redistributed, ensuring broad support across the electorate. This system guarantees that the winner has majority support, which strengthens their mandate to govern. SV ensures legitimacy by ensuring more than 50% of the vote after second-choice votes are considered. The system helps avoid a narrow victory based on a small base of support.

2012 London Mayoral Election:

Boris Johnson secured 51.5% of the vote after second-choice votes were redistributed, ensuring a majority win. This allowed him to have a legitimate mandate to govern. SV works by guaranteeing that the winner gets more than 50% of the vote after second choices, increasing voter confidence in the result. It helps create a clearer mandate for the elected candidate.

Question 58

Majoritarian systems:

What are the advantages of SV? e.g. Simpler than Full Proportional Systems (use two examples)

Answer 58

2016 London Mayoral Election:

SV simplified the voting process by requiring voters to only select a first and second-choice candidate. This made the system more accessible and easier for a wide demographic to understand. Voters could participate without needing to navigate complex voting procedures. The simplicity helped maintain higher voter engagement and turnout.

2012 London Mayoral Election:

In the 2012 election, SV was simpler than more complex proportional systems like STV, requiring voters to select just their top two candidates. This straightforward system contributed to a relatively high voter turnout of 38.1%. By avoiding the complexity of full proportional representation systems, SV made the voting process easier for the public to navigate. This simplicity is key in fostering a higher level of participation and engagement.

Question 59

Majoritarian systems:

What are the disadvantages of SV? e.g. lack of proportionality (use two examples)

Answer 59

2016 London Mayoral Election:

Despite winning many second-choice votes, Sadiq Khan’s victory did not fully represent voters’ overall preferences. For example, Zac Goldsmith, though second-choice for many voters, lost by a significant margin. This shows that SV is not fully proportional and may not reflect the true distribution of public opinion. The system prioritizes first and second-choice votes, leaving out the broader preferences of all voters.

2012 London Mayoral Election:

In this election, the Liberal Democrats’ candidate, Brian Paddick, received no representation despite being second-choice for many voters. This highlights the lack of proportionality in the SV system, which doesn’t consider third and further choices. The final result can fail to represent all political views, especially those with broad but less intense support. The SV system is limited in reflecting a comprehensive view of the electorate’s preferences.

Question 60

Majoritarian systems:

What are the disadvantages of SV? e.g. Encourages Tactical Voting (use two examples)

Answer 60

2016 London Mayoral Election:

Some voters in the 2016 election strategically voted for their second-choice candidate, Sadiq Khan, to block Zac Goldsmith. This tactical voting occurred because voters were concerned their first-choice candidate wouldn’t make it to the final round. SV encourages tactical voting by motivating voters to choose a second choice that might impact the outcome. It can distort the final result as voters prioritize strategy over their true preferences.

2012 London Mayoral Election:

Voters supporting smaller parties, like the Green Party or UKIP, backed either Khan or Goldsmith as their second choice, even if they preferred their own candidate. This type of tactical voting undermines the expression of genuine preferences. The SV system encourages voters to consider how to avoid “wasting” their vote rather than voting for their true first-choice candidate. This strategic thinking can result in an outcome that doesn’t fully reflect the electorate’s preferences.

Question 61

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of FPTP e.g. disproportionate outcomes (use two examples)

Answer 61

2015 General Election: - Conservative Majority:

In the 2015 General Election, the Conservative Party won 51% of the seats with only 36.9% of the vote due to FPTP’s winner-takes-all approach. This system benefits parties with geographically concentrated support, allowing Conservatives to win key constituencies in southern England. As a result, the party gained a majority in Parliament without securing a majority of the vote. This disproportionality undermines democratic fairness, as a party can win more seats than votes.

2019 General Election: - The Brexit Party’s Struggles:

Despite securing 2% of the national vote in the 2019 General Election, the Brexit Party failed to win any seats. Their support was spread thinly across the country, with no concentrated backing in individual constituencies. In contrast, the Conservative Party’s geographically concentrated support helped them secure a majority of seats. This highlights how FPTP underrepresents smaller parties with broad, but dispersed, support.

Question 62

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of FPTP e.g. exclusion of smaller parties (use two examples)

Answer 62

2017 General Election - The Green Party’s Limited Representation:

In the 2017 General Election, the Green Party won 1.6% of the national vote but only secured 1 seat in Brighton Pavilion. Their support was concentrated in urban areas, which didn’t translate to enough seats under FPTP. Larger parties like Labour and the Conservatives, with more evenly spread support, dominated Parliament. FPTP disadvantages smaller parties by limiting their representation despite significant national support.

2015 General Election - UKIP’s Lack of Representation:
In the 2015 General Election, UKIP won 12.6% of the national vote but only secured 1 seat. Their votes were spread across the country, particularly in the southeast and Midlands, but lacked sufficient local concentration for individual constituency victories. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party’s concentrated support helped them win a majority of seats. This disproportional outcome shows how FPTP penalizes smaller parties with nationwide appeal but less regional concentration.

Question 63

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of AMS e.g. Proportional Representation (use two examples)

Answer 63

2016 Scottish Parliament Election - SNP and Green Party:

The 2016 Scottish Parliament election saw the SNP winning 46% of the seats, aligning closely with their 46% share of the vote. The proportional AMS system also enabled the Green Party to win 6 seats from the regional list, despite not securing any constituency seats. This system combines FPTP for constituency seats with a regional proportional vote, ensuring fairer representation. AMS benefits smaller parties by allowing them to gain seats, even if they don’t have concentrated local support.

2011 Welsh Assembly Election: Labour Party:

In the 2011 Welsh Assembly Election, Labour won 30 out of 60 seats, which better reflected their share of the vote compared to FPTP. The proportional element of the AMS system helped Labour gain a more accurate seat allocation. Even though Labour did not win a majority in constituency seats, they still received a fairer representation. AMS provides a more accurate reflection of public support, allowing smaller parties a better chance at representation.

Question 64

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of AMS e.g. Increased Representation for Smaller Parties (use two examples)

Answer 64

2017 General Election - The Green Party’s Limited Representation:

In the 2017 General Election, the Green Party won 1.6% of the national vote but only secured 1 seat in Brighton Pavilion. Their support was concentrated in urban areas, which didn’t translate to enough seats under FPTP. Larger parties like Labour and the Conservatives, with more evenly spread support, dominated Parliament. FPTP disadvantages smaller parties by limiting their representation despite significant national support.

2015 General Election - UKIP’s Lack of Representation:

In the 2015 General Election, UKIP won 12.6% of the national vote but only secured 1 seat. Their votes were spread across the country, particularly in the southeast and Midlands, but lacked sufficient local concentration for individual constituency victories. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party’s concentrated support helped them win a majority of seats. This disproportional outcome shows how FPTP penalizes smaller parties with nationwide appeal but less regional concentration.

2016 Scottish Parliament Election - SNP and Green Party
The 2016 Scottish Parliament election saw the SNP winning 46% of the seats, aligning closely with their 46% share of the vote. The proportional AMS system also enabled the Green Party to win 6 seats from the regional list, despite not securing any constituency seats. This system combines FPTP for constituency seats with a regional proportional vote, ensuring fairer representation. AMS benefits smaller parties by allowing them to gain seats, even if they don’t have concentrated local support.

Question 65

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of STV e.g. More Proportional Representation (use two examples)

Answer 65

2019 Local Government Elections in Northern Ireland:

The 2019 Local Government Elections in Northern Ireland used STV, allowing minor parties like the Green Party and People Before Profit to gain seats despite not winning a majority. STV’s system of vote transfers (from second or third-choice candidates) increases the likelihood of diverse representation. This system ensures that smaller, minority parties are not excluded from government. STV increases political diversity by enabling smaller parties to gain representation, even if they don’t win first-choice votes.

2007 Northern Ireland Assembly:

In the 2007 Northern Ireland Assembly election, the STV system ensured proportional representation for smaller parties like the Alliance Party and Green Party. By allowing voters to rank candidates in multi-member constituencies, STV helped distribute seats more fairly based on vote share. This system allowed even less geographically concentrated parties to gain representation. STV’s preferential voting approach fosters inclusivity by ensuring that a broader spectrum of political views is represented in the assembly.

Question 66

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of STV e.g. Increased Representation of Minorities (use two examples)

Answer 66

2016 Northern Ireland Assembly Election:

In the 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election, STV facilitated the election of nationalist parties like Sinn Féin and the SDLP, which represent minority communities in Northern Ireland. The system’s preferential voting allowed these parties to secure seats in proportion to their vote share, enhancing the representation of these groups in the Assembly. STV’s ability to transfer votes ensures that even smaller or community-based parties, which may not have a majority in any single constituency, still gain a meaningful presence. This proportional representation fosters social cohesion by ensuring minority groups have a voice in the legislative process.

2019 Local Government Elections in Northern Ireland:

In the 2019 Local Government Elections, STV increased the representation of minorities, including smaller parties like the Green Party and People Before Profit. The system allows voters to rank candidates, and through vote transfers, ensures that even those with dispersed support can secure seats. This helped give minority political views a voice in local governance, even when they didn’t win outright in any constituency. STV promotes inclusivity by reflecting a wider range of political perspectives, ensuring that even smaller or less geographically concentrated groups are represented.

Question 67

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of SV e.g. Clearer Majority Winner (use two examples)

Answer 67

Clearer Majority Winner -2016 London Mayoral Election:

In the 2016 London Mayoral Election, Sadiq Khan (Labour) won in the second round after receiving a majority of second-choice votes. While he did not have a clear majority in the first round, the Supplementary Vote system ensured that he gained broad support across the electorate, especially from voters whose first-choice candidates were eliminated. This system ensures that the final winner has a more substantial mandate. SV ensures that the winner has a majority of support (through first and second-choice votes) and provides more legitimacy to the election result.

2012 London Mayoral Election:

In the 2012 London Mayoral Election, Boris Johnson (Conservative) won a second term in office after gaining a majority of second-choice votes in the second round, even though he did not initially secure a majority in the first round. The supplementary vote helped ensure that the final winner had more widespread support than if FPTP were used. SV guarantees that the winner represents a majority of voters’ preferences, making the electoral outcome more legitimate.

Question 68

Impacts of the UK electoral systems:

What is the impact of SV e.g. Reduced Role for Smaller Parties (use two examples)

Answer 68

2016 London Mayoral Election - Role of Smaller Parties

In the 2016 London Mayoral Election, smaller parties like UKIP and the Green Party did not make it to the second round, despite garnering a portion of the first-choice votes. SV’s structure of eliminating candidates after the first round means that smaller parties with limited support cannot influence the outcome as much as in a proportional system like STV. SV tends to concentrate the election outcome into two major candidates, reducing the influence and visibility of smaller parties, which may not reach the second round of voting.

2012 London Mayoral Election - Lack of Representation for Smaller Parties

In the 2012 London Mayoral Election, smaller parties like the Green Party and UKIP did not secure enough first-choice votes to make it to the second round, limiting their role in shaping the result. While SV provides a second-choice vote, it still largely favors larger parties, especially in a contest with a large disparity in support between the main contenders. SV tends to reduce the ability of smaller parties to have a significant impact on the final result, making it harder for them to secure seats or influence outcomes in a meaningful way

Question 69

Referendums:

Why call a referendum? e.g. major constitutional changes (use two examples)

Answer 69

Brexit Referendum (2016)

The UK government called a referendum in 2016 to decide whether the UK should remain in or leave the European Union (EU). The referendum was held to give the public the power to decide on this major constitutional change that would affect the country’s relationship with the EU, trade, immigration, and laws. Major decisions that involve fundamental changes to a country’s structure, such as membership in international organizations or significant shifts in governance, are often put to a referendum to ensure that the public has a direct say.

1998 Good Friday Agreement Referendum in Northern Ireland:

This referendum was called to approve the terms of the peace agreement that helped end the conflict known as “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. Voters were asked to approve the political changes proposed by the Good Friday Agreement, which was designed to establish a devolved government for Northern Ireland and improve relations with the Republic of Ireland and the UK. A referendum was used to ensure that the people who would be directly impacted by these changes were given a voice in approving or rejecting them.

Question 70

Referendums:

Why call a referendum? e.g. to settle divisive issues (use two examples)

Answer 70

2011 AV Referendum (Alternative Vote):

The UK government held a referendum in 2011 to decide whether to change the electoral system from First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) to the Alternative Vote (AV) system. The proposal was highly divisive, and the government wanted the public to decide whether or not to make the change. Referendums can be used to resolve issues where there is significant debate or division in society. A vote of the people is seen as a way to settle disagreements or provide clarity on contentious issues.

1975 EEC Membership Referendum:

The UK held a referendum in 1975 to determine whether it should remain a member of the European Economic Community (EEC), which later became the EU. The referendum came after the UK had joined the EEC in 1973, and some people were calling for the country to leave. When there is uncertainty or division on a particular issue, a referendum can serve as a means of resolving that issue through direct democratic participation.

Question 71

Referendums:

How are referendums positive for the UK e.g. increase political engagement (use two examples)

Answer 71

2016 Brexit Referendum:

The Brexit referendum in 2016 sparked intense national debate over the UK’s future relationship with the European Union, drawing widespread public engagement in political discussions. Citizens actively participated in online debates, public forums, and political rallies, with many seeking to better understand the complexities of EU membership. Voter turnout was 72.2%, higher than in general elections, reflecting the heightened interest in the topic. The referendum mobilized people across the UK to engage with issues like trade, sovereignty, and immigration, which previously might not have been as widely discussed.

1998 Devolution Referendums (Scotland and Wales):

The 1998 devolution referendums in Scotland and Wales saw significant public interest as voters were given the chance to decide on the creation of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh National Assembly. In Scotland, 74.3% of voters supported devolution, while in Wales, 50.3% voted in favor, demonstrating widespread engagement with local governance. These referendums led to an increase in local political participation, as citizens became more involved in their regional political affairs. The opportunity to vote on devolved powers helped foster a stronger connection between the electorate and the political process.

Question 72

Referendums:

How are referendums positive for the UK e.g. ensuring legitimacy of important decisions (use two examples)

Answer 72

1997 Scottish Devolution Referendum:

The 1997 Scottish devolution referendum was crucial in granting legitimacy to the creation of the Scottish Parliament, ensuring the decision was made by the people. With 74.3% of Scottish voters supporting devolution, the referendum provided a clear democratic mandate for the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. This direct democratic input ensured that the Parliament had legitimacy in its ability to govern Scottish affairs, such as education and health. The referendum also strengthened the public’s trust in the political system by showing that major political changes could be decided by citizens.

2011 AV Referendum:

In 2011, the UK held a referendum to determine whether to change the electoral system from First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) to the Alternative Vote (AV). Although 68% of voters rejected the proposal, the referendum ensured that any potential changes to the electoral system had public backing. By giving voters the opportunity to have the final say on this major constitutional issue, the process added legitimacy to the decision. The referendum reinforced that significant changes to the electoral system should not be made solely by politicians but should reflect the will of the electorate

Question 73

Referendums:

How are referendums negative for the UK e.g. voter manipulation/misinformation (use two examples)

Answer 73

2016 Brexit Referendum:

During the 2016 Brexit referendum, the “Leave” campaign spread several misleading claims, including the highly publicized assertion that the UK sent £350 million a week to the EU, which could be better spent on the NHS. This claim was later debunked, but it played a significant role in influencing voters’ decisions. Additionally, targeted social media campaigns used personal data to spread misinformation, further distorting the democratic process. The misinformation campaign contributed to a voting environment where many decisions were made based on false or incomplete information, undermining the integrity of the referendum.

1997 Scottish Independence Referendum:

The 1997 Scottish devolution referendum was also not immune to manipulation, with both sides using misleading arguments. The “Yes” campaign claimed that devolution would lead to greater economic benefits for Scotland, while the “No” campaign warned that devolution could lead to economic instability. Both sides presented incomplete or exaggerated claims that influenced the decision-making of voters. These messages, often oversimplified, created an environment where voters were not always fully informed about the complexities of devolution, potentially distorting the outcome.

Question 74

Referendums:

How are referendums negative for the UK e.g. risk of division/polarisation (use two examples)

Answer 74

2016 Brexit Referendum:

The 2016 Brexit referendum led to deep political and social divisions across the UK. The result, with 52% voting to leave and 48% voting to remain, highlighted sharp divides along regional, generational, and socio-economic lines. Younger voters and urban areas largely favoured staying in the EU, while older voters and rural areas favoured leaving. The referendum outcome has continued to polarize political discourse in the UK, with ongoing debates about the consequences of Brexit, creating long-term divisions between different parts of the country.

2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:

The 2014 Scottish Independence referendum created significant polarization, especially between those who wanted Scotland to remain part of the UK and those who wanted independence. The campaign, which saw the “Yes” side and “No” side fiercely disagreeing, led to heated discussions, some of which were accusatory and divisive. Despite the “No” vote winning, the referendum left many Scots feeling alienated, and the question of independence continues to divide political opinion in Scotland. This division has led to calls for a second referendum and ongoing debates about Scotland’s place within the UK, creating a long-lasting political rift.