Electoral Systems Flashcards
Describe Single Transferable Vote STV
Vote preferentially
Multi-member constituency
Must reach target quota
Describe Alternative Vote (AV)
Preferential vote
Must get majority
Single member constituencies
AV+
Preferential vote for constituency representative
Second vote for party
Single member constituency and list elected members (no constituency)
One MP per constituency (who has most voted)- top up members then added for proportionality
Describe List
One vote for party and list of candidates
Multi member constituency
Votes given out proportionally
AMS (additional member system)
2 votes
One for constituency candidate
One for party list
Single member constituency and delete are list of elected members (no constituency)
FPTP to elect initial members
List (adds top up members) for proportionality
Describe Supplementary Vote SV
Preferential
TWO votes only
Single member
majority needed
STV strengths
Strengths:
Close correlation between votes and seats
High voter choice
Power sharing governments and multi member constituencies are suitable for volatile countries- Northern Ireland
STV weaknesses
Weaknesses-
Not fully proportional
Large constituencies- weak MP- constituency link
Power sharing governments are prone to conflict
AV+ strengths
Keeps Westminster’s safe seats
List of MPs provides second layer of representation
AV+ weaknesses
Parties have lots of control on who’s elected
Therefore bad accountability
Therefore bad representation (MPs tend to prioritise party over constituency )
Party List strengths
Highly proportional
Allows for more diverse candidates
Party List Weaknesses
Weak MP-constituency link
Independents do poorly
SV strengths
Simple
Ensures broad support for winner
Allows for independent candidates to win
SV Weaknesses
Isn’t proportional
Winner doesn’t need majority
Tactical voting is difficult
AMS strengths
Top up corrects FPTPs lack of proportionality maintains strong MP-constituency link
Wide voter choice
AMS weaknesses
Not all MPs have constituency responsibilities
Party leaders rank candidates
Smaller parties achieve less representation than when using a fully proportional system
Why could a referendum be called?
Legitimising major government initiative
Stop internal disagreement within government
A result of a deal between two parties (2010 coalition AV )
In response to pressure
For referendums
Trust in politicians is low
Gives answers to issues that cuts across party lines (Brexit)
Give clear answers and results
Increase political awareness and engagement
Informs electorate on political issues
Fair (Electoral Commission 2000)
Against referendums
A challenge to political sovereignty
Voters lack knowledge on niche and complex issues
Representatives are elected for a reason
Electorate can misinformed and lied to
Governments call referendums, and therefore only call when they think they will win
Can cause division (Brexit)
Typically low turnout and therefore low legitimacy
