Electoral Systems Flashcards
What is an electoral system?
Method of setting up an election
What is plurality voting?
Winner with most votes wins.
Which UK part uses plurality?
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What is first-past-the-post (FPTP)?
Plurality system used in general elections - most votes win
What is proportional representation?
Seats allocated based on vote share.
Which UK part uses PR?
Scotland and Wales (MSPs).
What is the additional member system (AMS)?
Hybrid of FPTP and PR - a second preference is given
Which UK part uses AMS?
Scotland, Wales, and London (assembly).
What is a closed-list system?
Voters can only select party, not candidates.
Which UK part uses closed-list?
European Parliament elections (before Brexit).
What is open-list PR?
Voters select candidates within party list.
What is a mixed-member proportional system?
Combines FPTP and proportional representation.
Which UK part uses MMP?
None in the UK currently.
What is single transferable vote (STV)?
Proportional system with ranked voting.
Which UK part uses STV?
Northern Ireland and Scottish local elections.
What is supplementary vote?
Voters rank top two candidates.
Which UK part uses supplementary vote?
Mayoral elections (e.g., London).
What is a two-round system?
Second round if no majority in first.
Which UK part uses two-round system?
London mayoral elections.
What is the advantage of FPTP?
Simple, quick results, stable government.
What is the disadvantage of FPTP?
Disproportional representation, wasted votes.
What is the advantage of PR?
Proportional representation of votes.
What is the disadvantage of PR?
Coalition governments, less stability.
What is the advantage of AMS?
Combines local representation and proportionality.
What is the disadvantage of AMS?
Complicated voting system, mixed outcomes.
What is the advantage of STV?
Highly proportional, fewer wasted votes.
What is the disadvantage of STV?
Complex voting process, smaller constituencies.
What is a safe seat?
District consistently won by one party.
What is a marginal seat?
District with close electoral competition.
