electoral systems key words

Question 1

fptp

Answer 1

First-past-the-post
(FPTP)
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

Question 2

additional member system

Answer 2

A hybrid electoral system that has two components or elements.
The voter makes two choices. Firstly, the voter selects a
representative on a simple plurality (FPTP) system then a second
vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or ‘additional’
representative

Question 3

stv

Answer 3

Single Transferable
Vote (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

Question 4

sv

Answer 4

Supplementary Vote
(SV)
This is a majoritarian system. The voter makes two choices (hence
the term ‘supplementary’). If one candidate obtains over 50% on
the first vote then the contest is complete. If no candidate attains
this level, all but the top two candidates are eliminated. Then the
supplementary choices are re-distributed and whoever gets most
votes from the remaining two, wins the seat. This form of voting
for mayors and police and crime commissioners was ended by the
Elections Act in 2022

Question 5

safe seat

Answer 5

Safe seat A seat in which the incumbent has a considerable majority over the
closest rival and which is largely immune from swings in voting
choice. The same political party retains the seat from election to
election.
A majority of seats in UK Westminster constituencies are safe
seats.

Question 6

marginal seat

Answer 6

Marginal seat A seat held by the incumbent with a small majority. There is no
precise percentage or winning margin to which this aligns but a
10% margin would need only 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 in UK
Westminster constituencies are marginal

Question 7

minority government

Answer 7

Minority government A government that enters office but which does not have a
majority of seats in the legislature (Parliament). This makes
passing legislation very difficult.

Question 8

coalition government

Answer 8

Coalition government A government that is formed of more than one political party. It is
normally accompanied by an agreement over policy options and
office of state, as was the Conservative-Liberal-Democrat coalition
from 2010–2015