Electoral systems- paper 1 Flashcards
What are the 5 key functions of elections?
- Representation
- Participation
- Accountability
- Legitimacy
- Education.
What type of system is First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)?
A plurality system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
Where is FPTP used in the UK?
- UK General Elections
- English local council elections.
Name 3 advantages of FPTP
- Simple and quick to count
- often produces strong single-party governments
- limits rise of extremist parties
Name 3 disadvantages of FPTP.
- you don’t need a majority to win a seat (disproportionate)
- wasted votes
- favours big parties
What type of system is the Additional Member System (AMS)?
A hybrid system combining FPTP and proportional representation.
Where is AMS used in the UK?
- Scottish Parliament
- London Assembly
Name two advantages of AMS
- Proportional results
- preserves a constituency link
Name two disadvantages of AMS.
- More complex
- can create two types of representatives.
What type of system is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?
A proportional representation system using ranked preferences in multi-member constituencies.
Where is STV used in the UK?
- Northern Ireland Assembly
- local government in Scotland
Name 3 advantages of STV.
- Highly proportional outcomes
- no wasted votes.
- majority happy
Name two disadvantages of STV.
- Complex
- can weaken the constituency link.
What type of system is the Supplementary Vote (SV)?
A majoritarian system where voters indicate a first and second preference.
Where is SV used in the UK?
Mayor of London
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of SV.
Advantage: Simple. Disadvantage: Not fully proportional.
How did the 2019 UK General Election highlight the issues of FPTP?
Conservatives won 43.6% of the vote but 56.2% of the seats (365 seats).
What was the result of the 2011 AV Referendum?
68% voted to keep FPTP, rejecting the Alternative Vote system.
How does FPTP affect minor parties?
Disadvantages them — e.g. UKIP won 12.6% of the vote in 2015 but only 1 seat
How does AMS balance representation?
It uses FPTP for local representatives and party lists to top-up underrepresented parties.
How does STV work
Voters rank candidates by preference in multi-member constituencies; a quota is needed to win.
What are two effects of different electoral systems on government formation?
FPTP usually produces strong single-party governments; proportional systems often lead to coalitions.
What was the voter turnout for the 2019 UK General Election?
67.3%
What was the voter turnout for the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election (AMS)?
63.5%
