Electoral Systems Flashcards
What are the functions of electrical systems
-representation
-choosing an elected government
-legitimising political power
-limiting power of elected representatives
-development of public policy
-selection of a political elite
What is the definition of a plurality system and what system uses it
-To win a seat, a candidate only requires one more vote than any other candidate (doesn’t need absolute majority)
-FPTP (2 party system)
What is a majoritarian system and what system uses it
-Election of a single candidate to secure an absolute majority
-SV ( 2 party system)
What is the proportional system and what system uses it
-System attempts to allocate seats in direct proportion to votes cast
-STV
What is the hybrid system and what system uses it
- system mixes 2 other types of system
-AMS
Briefly, how does FPTP work
-general election announced
-voting on polling day
-polls counts
-winding candidate from each constituency announced
-650mps form commons
-winner becomes pm
What is a swing seat?
A seat which often changes hand in elections by a simple plurality ( more votes but not 50%)
What is a key example of a swing seat
High peak;
-tory 2015,45%
-labour 2017, 49.7%
-Tory 2019, 45.9%
-labour 2024, 45.8%
What is a safe seat
A constituency which is very unlikely to change hands ( won by absolute majority)
What is a key example of a safe seat
Liverpool Walton, held since 1964
What are the advantages of a safe seat
-political stability
-stronger representation
-long term planning
Disadvantages of safe seats
-mp’s less accountable for actions
-voters may feel votes are wasted (70.8% of voters were wasting votes)
Advantages of swing seats
-greater democracy
-encourages voter engagement
-balanced representation
Disadvantages of swing seats
- may result in tactical voting
-takes focus from safe seats
