Electoral Systems Flashcards
Define the first past the post system
An electoral system where the person with the most number of votes is elected- victory is achieved by having one more vote than other contenders- it is also called a plurality system
Define the AMS system
A hybrid electoral system that has two components or elements - the voter makes two choices - firstly the voter selects a representavyon a simple plurality (FPTP) system and then a second vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or additional representative
Define STV
This system allows voters to rank their voting preferences in numerical order rather than simply having one voting choice. In order to obtain a seat, a candidate must obtain a quota.after the votes are cast, those with the least votes are eliminated and their votes transferred and those candidates with excess votes above the Quota also have their votes transferred
Define the SV system
A majoritarian system - voter makes two choices, if one candidate obtains over 50% of the first vote then the contest is complete, if no candidate against this level, all but the top two candidates remain. Then the supplementary choices are redistributed and whoever gets the most votes from the remaining two wins the seat
Define safe seat
A seat I which the incumbent has a considerable majority over the closest rival and which is largely immune from swings in voting choice - the same political part retains the seat from election to election - ( man of seats in U.K. Westminster constituencies are safe)
Define marginal seat
A dealt held by the incumbent with a small majority - there’s no precise winning margin to which this aligns but a 10% margin would only need a swing of 5% to the rival party to take it. Marginal seats are important as they are where the outcomes of elections are decided. Only a minority of seats- marginal
Define a minority government
A government that enters office but which does not have a majority of seats in the legislature (parliament.)- makes passing legislation very difficult
Define a coalition government
A government that is formed of more than one political party- normally accompanied by an agreement over policy options and office of state, as was the conservative lib. Dem coalition
