electoral systems Flashcards
describe how first past the post works
candidate with largest number of votes is elected
advantages of first past the post
quick to count votes
tends to create a two party system leading to a stronger and more capable government
extremist parties have little chance of being elected
strong link between MP’s and constituencies
disadvantages of first past the post
MP’s are often elected on less than 50% of the vote
produces government elected on a minority of the popular vote
there is no proportionality
there is limited voter choice due to the two party system
votes are not of equal value
describe how additional member system works
the voter gets two votes. the first vote is for a single constituency representative, elected using FPTP. the second is for a party list
advantages of additional member system
split ticket voting means voters get more choice
more proportional than fptp
strong link between MP and constituency
electors have more choice under AMS
disadvantages of AMS
creates two types of MP leading to an unfair system where some have more power than others
there is too much party power over the lists
smaller parties are not fully represented
describe how single transferable vote works
voters number their choice numerically in order of preference. if on the first round the quota is achieved then they are elected and subsequent votes are redistributed to voters second choice. if no quota is achieved then least popular is eliminated and the votes are redistributed until a quota is achieved
advantages of STV
close correlation between votes and seats
voter choice is high as their preference is taken into account and therefore a vote is less likely to be wasted
in northern Ireland it created a power sharing government between unionists and nationalists ending 30 years of violence
disadvantages of STV
not fully proportional particularly in small member constituencies
in large member constituencies link between member and the voter may be weal
it may bring rival groups together but they are still prone to conflict. executive was suspended for 5 years in northern Ireland due to fighting in government.
describe how supplementary vote works
voter gets two votes; first and second preference. candidate who gains over 50% of the first preference vote is automatically elected. if this doesn’t happen then all but top two candidates are eliminated and votes are redistributed to produce an overall winner
advantages of SV
broad support for the winner
simple to use
allows independents to win sometimes
disadvantages of SV
not proportional because a single member is being elected into office
winner does not need absolute majority
voters try to vote tactically
what is a referendum
a popular vote held on a particular issue in order to gauge public opinion
who controls the conduct of referendums
the electoral commision
what powers do the electoral commission have over referendums
checks wording of the question
monitors campaign expenditure
when is a referendum typically held
when there is pressure on the government to hold one
An agreement between two parties demands it
To solve government infighting
Legitimising government initiatives I.E. securing public support
advantages of referendum
Low chance of a skewed result due to supervision from the electoral commission
Raises political awareness E.G. Scottish referendum 2014
Holds government to account and reduces their power
Involves the people directly on decision making on important issues
disadvantages of referendums
Government can hold a referendum at time that suits them
Are a challenge to parliamentary sovereignty and ordinary people lack political knowledge to make these decisions
If arguments are not explained well public participation may be low and skew results
Low turnout is normal for referendums barring some exceptions
Outcome can be influenced by other factors not affecting the question E.G, 2011 AV ref was influenced by lib dem animosity
should our electoral system be reformed
YES
Creates a two party system using FPTP
There is a large barrier to getting representation
There is not a good level of effective parliament parties compared to other systems:
FPTP - 2.0
AMS - 3.3
STV - 4.5
There is no proportionality. Deviation from proportionality is 20.6
Can lead to majority rule and the minority of people being ignored
NO
Mostly there is only one outcome - no coalitions
It is simple and traditional - if it’s not broke don’t fix it
Has the highest turnout of all systems - a mean of 65.4%
why do we hold referendums
purest form of democracy
They increase political participation; voting does not take place just every five years.
Referenda can be a check on “elective dictatorships” during a government’s 5 years span.
Referenda provide a clear answer to a question the government might be ‘asking’.
unite divided parties
legitimise important decisions
should referendums be more widely used
YES
It is one of the best forms of direct democracy and is one of the purest forms of democracy
Referendums are a chance to educate the public on certain political issues
reduces government power as they are held accountable to the people
Government has a mandate for everyday decisions and not big changes that affect the whole country
Creates a responsible government that has to listen to the people
NO
The general public are ill informed and have not got the political experience needed to make informed decisions
Referendums could be said to actually strengthen government as they can decide when they are held at a time that suits them best and they know they will win
What are the implications of FPTP
Majority government
two party system
what are the implications of AMS
minority government
multi party system
what are the implications of STV
coalition government
multi party system
what are the implications of SV
majority government
two party system
