Electoral systems eval

Question 1

What are the features of FPTP?

Answer 1

• Country split into 650 single member constituencies.
• There is no preferential voting, just one vote for a single candidate.
• Winner doesn’t need a majoirty, just needs to achieve a plurality of all votes.
• Winner takes all.

Question 2

What does the London Mayoral elections use?

Answer 2

Supplementary vote

Question 3

How does SV and STV comapre?

Answer 3

• SV is revised version of alternative votes.
• Cast a first and second preference.
• Winner needs at least 50%.
• STV is a prefential voting system.
• Uses multi member constituencies and use of the quota.
• Voting is proportional which ensures all parties are represented.
• The Northern Ireland assembly uses STV as it prevents one party from dominating.
• Both systems have limits that winning candidates need to exceed. For SV is 50% of the votes and under STV the quota is determined by the number of votes and seats cast. Systems are similar in that they use preferential voting. Citizens can signal which candidates they prefer and aren’t limited to one option.

Question 4

Should FPTP be replaced?

Answer 4

• The system has been seen as a device for keeping the major parties in power by “over-representing” large parties and those with geographically concentrated support.
• Governments are regularly elected with fewer than 50% of the popular vote.
• Small parties are “under-represented” like the liberal democracts even when they gain million votes.
• But: the current system ensures mandate democracy in that the winning party can carry out its election manifesto and provides the electorate a clear choice of potential governments.