Electoral Systems Flashcards
What does representative mean?
Reflects the views of the electorate.
What does democratic mean?
Ease of voting and is an easy system to understand.
Where is First Past The Post used?
The UK General Elections
How do you vote when using FPTP?
People vote within their constituency by placing an ‘X’ next to a candidate’s name.
What is a By-Election?
Where an election is held in one consituency if a MP has resigned/ died.
What are two advantages of FPTP?
Easy to use
Single candidate constituences.
What are two disadvantages of FPTP?
Leads to tactical voting
Works as a benefit for the two main parties and against the smaller parties.
What does proportional representation mean?
Percentage of votes is the percentage of seats.
What voting system gives the most choice?
Single Tansferable Vote , STV
How does the voting work in STV?
The voter chooses their favourite candidates in order.
Where is STV used?
Local council elections in Scotland.
What are two advantages of STV?
It gives voters more choice (means no tactical voting)
It helps smaller parties (more representative)
What are two disadvantages of STV?
It’s complicated
Leads to coalition government (which means that the electorate will be ignored/ not democratic)
What is AMS?
Additional Members System is a combination of FPTP and PR.
Where is AMS used?
Scottish Parliamentary Elections (every 4 years)
