Electoral Systems

Question 1

FPTP

Answer 1

Used in UK General elections
People vote for a constituent MP however many people vote for the party they prefer not the individual
Only one vote
The winner is the person with the most votes making it a simple plurality system

Question 2

AV

Answer 2

Used in Labour Party leader and Liberal Democrat party leader as well as by-elections for hereditary peers
Number the candidates in order
Winning candidate needs a majority of the vote

Question 3

Advantages of AV

Answer 3

-MP’s must win a majority rather than a simple plurality which legitimises their power
-MP’s have to theoretically campaign on a broader level to appeal to more voters
-Could reduce number of safe seats
-Reduce the need for tactical voting

Question 4

Disadvantages of AV

Answer 4

-Could produce an even less proportional result than FPTP
-Might elect the least unpopular candidate rather than the most popular
-Could lead to more coalition governments as third parties could win more seats

Question 5

Supplementary vote

Answer 5

Used in London Mayoral elections and PCC elections
Choose a first and second candidate
The votes of the candidate finishing 3rd or worse are redistributed to the two leading candidates

Question 6

Disadvantages of Supplementary Vote

Answer 6

-If a person voted for neither of the top two candidates then their vote is wasted
-Not broadly proportional

Question 7

Advantages of Supplementary Vote

Answer 7

-Produces a stable government
-Gives voters a greater choice
-Increases links between MP’s and their constituents