Electoral systems points:

Question 1

Evaluate the view that PR should replace FPTP for UK general elections

Answer 1

1. Prevents extremists.PR runs that risk
2. Simple, quick and easy. PR often complicated
3. Stable government PR leads to power struggles
4. FPTP Poor representation. PR represents minority.
5. Current system discourages participation PR ensures your vote is heard.
6. FPTP delivers an unstable government, PR can have stable governments.

Question 2

Evaluate the view that the performance of other electoral systems in the UK has made the case for replacing FPTP for Westminster elections

Answer 2

1. STV in Ireland complication and coalitions
2. AMF in Scotland- complex and difficult to understand unlike FPTP
3. SV Low turnout rate and ‘incorrect winners’
4. FPTP- Also can lead to coalitions and low majorities causing instability (not to same extent).
5. AMF- Allows for compromise and ensures representation.
6. Ensures the winner has over 50%

Question 3

Evaluate the view that electoral systems in the UK promote multi party systems (where multiple parties compete for power)

Answer 3

1. FPTP- Minority parties increasingly more influential,
2. STV in NI assembly- often ends up in coalitions
3. AMF- multiple people in power often in coalitions
4. FPTP - heavily labour and conservative two party system.
5. NI assembly closed because of instability
6. AMF- coalition deals accepted.

Question 4

Evaluate the view that the establishment of stable governments in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland has undermined the case for keeping FPTP at Westminster

Answer 4

1. Allows for wider representation.
2. Voter choice
3. Other systems allow for compromise and negotiation.
4. FPTP keeps out extremist parties.
5. Other systems confusing.
6. Stable government from FPTP better

Question 5

Evaluate the view that FPTP has negatively effected democracy?

Answer 5

1. Prevents extremists.
2. Simple, quick and easy.
3. Stable government
4. FPTP Poor representation. .
5. Current system discourages participation
6. FPTP delivers an unstable government