Electoral Systems

Question 1

Explain and analyse an argument against the use of the first past the post electoral system. (1)

Give an example.

Answer 1

It tends to lead to disproportional outcome. This means that a party that wins the popular vote may still loose the election.
This is significant as a party in charge may have very little legitimacy to make and change policy.
Example=In 2015 UKIP won 12.6% of the vote, but this only translated to one seat. On the other hand the SNP only won 4.2 but got 56 seats.

Question 2

Explain and analyse an argument against the use of the first past the post electoral system. (2)

Give an example.

Answer 2

The party does not have to win a majority to win the election just beat other parties.
This is significant as it is further evidence that parliament may not represent the people and the country as a whole.
Example= In 2005 labour only won 35% of the vote meaning 65% of the electorate did not support them.

Question 3

Explain and analyse an argument against the use of the first past the post electoral system. (3)

Give an example.

Answer 3

FPTP makes votes unequal in value. One MP represents a constituency but they vary in size.
This is significant as some people have greater influence over the legislative process then others making it an unfair democracy.
Example= The Constituency of Na H-Eileanan an Iar
Only has a population of 20,000 meaning their votes are more important the say West Ham that has a population of 90,000

Question 4

Explain and analyse advantages of the first past the post system of electing representatives (1).

Give an Example.

Answer 4

The out come creates a strong stable government due to the winner bonus resulting in a large number of seats over the opposition.
This means that a single party can exercise significant control over the legislation and makes the occurrence of minority and coalition government rare.
Example= since World War Two there has be only 4 minority governments and one coalition.

Question 5

Explain and analyse advantages of the first past the post system of electing representatives (2).

Give an Example.

Answer 5

The FPTP provides a clear link between the elected representative and the people the represent.
This mean a member of the public can influence the legislative process and change politics

Question 6

Explain and analyse advantages of the first past the post system of electing representatives (3).

Give an Example.

Answer 6

FPTP keeps our extremist parties as they need concentrated support to win seats
This is significant as it keeps politics in the middle ground were it is most accessible.
Example=UKIP in 2015 won 12.6% of the vote but this only resulted in one seat.