electoral systems-fptp Flashcards
What are the strengths of first past the post?
constituency link, simple system that leads to quick results, rarely leads to coalition government, low chance of extremism, turnout rising since 2001, rough justice- unpopular governments lose, lack of perfect alternative
What are the weaknesses of First past the post?
very low proportionality, high number of wasted and surplus votes, winners bonus- winning party often overrewarded, electoral deserts- parties w lots of votes in areas but not enough to win seats
What are the arguments to continue with FPTP?
majority mandates are increasing- 33% in 2010, 49% in 2015
delivered a single party majority in 2019,Boris was able to “get Brexit done”
2015 did deliver the most socially diverse parliament in history
What is evidence that FPTP does not work well recently?
2017- minority government under Theresa may going into supply and confidence deal with DUP
data from 2016, SNP got 50% of the Scottish vote but 96% of seats
data from 2019 election- cons won 44% of the vote and 56% of seats, example of winners bonus
safe seats, surplus votes etc
What did the labour party promise about electoral reform?
1997-mpromised electoral reform when they though they would have to go into coalition w lib-dem. labour won biggest landslide in history, Blair was PM from 97-08 but never put forward legislation regarding electoral reform
What is the Jenkins commission?
established by Blair under leadership of Roy Jenkins to investigate if electoral reform needed. Jenkins had been labour chancellor in 70s but had defected to newly formed SNP.
Commission drew up criteria for best voting system
What were the 4 characteristics of the best voting system according to the Jenkins commision?
1-allow “broad” proportionality
2- provide stable government
3- provide more voter choice
4- keep a good constituency link
they recommend AV- 85% members to be voted in by AV and 15% by list system
What was the referendum results in may 2011?
keep fptp-68%
change to AV-32%
turnout-42%
voters were offered choice between two majoritarian systems- could have been closer if proportional system was offered
What is the historic norm of turnouts?
supposed to be 70-80%, has reached as low as 59% in 2001 election
