Electoral Systems

Question 1

Describe Single Transferable Vote STV

Answer 1

Vote preferentially
Multi-member constituency
Must reach target quota

Question 2

Describe Alternative Vote (AV)

Answer 2

Preferential vote
Must get majority
Single member constituencies

Question 3

AV+

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Describe List

Answer 4

One vote for party and list of candidates
Multi member constituency
Votes given out proportionally

Question 5

AMS (additional member system)

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Describe Supplementary Vote SV

Answer 6

Preferential
TWO votes only
Single member
majority needed

Question 7

STV strengths

Answer 7

Strengths:
Close correlation between votes and seats
High voter choice
Power sharing governments and multi member constituencies are suitable for volatile countries- Northern Ireland

Question 8

STV weaknesses

Answer 8

Weaknesses-
Not fully proportional
Large constituencies- weak MP- constituency link
Power sharing governments are prone to conflict

Question 9

AV+ strengths

Answer 9

Keeps Westminster’s safe seats

List of MPs provides second layer of representation

Question 10

AV+ weaknesses

Answer 10

Parties have lots of control on who’s elected
Therefore bad accountability
Therefore bad representation (MPs tend to prioritise party over constituency )

Question 11

Party List strengths

Answer 11

Highly proportional

Allows for more diverse candidates

Question 12

Party List Weaknesses

Answer 12

Weak MP-constituency link

Independents do poorly

Question 13

SV strengths

Answer 13

Simple
Ensures broad support for winner
Allows for independent candidates to win

Question 14

SV Weaknesses

Answer 14

Isn’t proportional
Winner doesn’t need majority
Tactical voting is difficult

Question 15

AMS strengths

Answer 15

Top up corrects FPTPs lack of proportionality maintains strong MP-constituency link
Wide voter choice

Question 16

AMS weaknesses

Answer 16

Not all MPs have constituency responsibilities
Party leaders rank candidates
Smaller parties achieve less representation than when using a fully proportional system

Question 17

Why could a referendum be called?

Answer 17

Legitimising major government initiative
Stop internal disagreement within government
A result of a deal between two parties (2010 coalition AV )
In response to pressure

Question 18

For referendums

Answer 18

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)

Question 19

Against referendums

Answer 19

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