Electoral Systems - purpose of elections + introduction Flashcards
Introduction - FPTP
It has been the system used for centuries but electoral is common.
Numerous 19th century Acts led PM Gladstone to state that ‘two reform acts have made the House far more adequate to express of wants/wishes of the nation as a whole’
David Cameron 2011 - labelled the AV Referendum, a ‘real danger of exchanging an electoral system that works’.
FPTP scrutiny via referendum?
Nick Clegg introduced it within the Coalition 2010 - 2015, and people voted in favour of retaining it (68% voted no for AV) - 2011, 42% turnout.
How do elections hold sufficient accountability?
They force the government to be held accountable and responsible because they want to get re-elected.
How often are elections held in Wales?
How about England?
Welsh Assembly (AM assembly member) - elected every 5 years using AMS.
Local elections England - FPTP with 4 year terms.
UK Parliament - 5 years, FPTP.
Scottish Parliament - every 5 years, AMS
Northern Ireland Assembly - every 5 years, STV
London Assembly - 4 years, AMS.
London Mayor - 4 years, SV.
Pol + CC = 4 years, SV
How often are elections held in Scotland?
Northern Ireland Assembly?
5 year elections, using AMS.
5 year elections, STV
What are ELECTIONS?
an opportunity for citizens to cast their vote for their elected representatives.
feature of liberal + representative democracy.
governments are held accountable.
What is the ELECTORAL SYSTEM?
votes are translated into elected officials.
there are a variety of systems available… but it is usually just Proportional, Plurality, Majoritarian.
What is the PARTY SYSTEM?
number of parties that have relative chances of forming government.
result of the electoral process that is chosen, this is not the choice itself.
What is the difference between authority and power?
Authority is rightful exercise of power, given to the government when successful in an election.
Theresa May had the authority to carry out Brexit negotiations after the 2017 G.E.
Power is the ability to carry out the government action. May’s lack of majority and divided party meant the EU deal was damaged.
Why is the coalition example of a successful and unsuccessful election?
- They together, won the 59% overall vote.
2. Neither party won individually which undermined their legitimacy.
Purpose of elections? Legitimising political power
The government is formed as a production of free and fair elections - this is a legitimate government.
When a legitimate government introduces newer policy or amends older ones, they have the right to do so.
Purpose of elections?
Choosing an elected representative and government
candidates campaign on personal beliefs and party beliefs.
winning means they have a mandate to act on behalf of those who voted - this is the authority to carry out the policies within the party’s manifesto.
Purpose of elections?
Holding current representatives to account
judgement can be offered for current politicians.
this ensures that consequences are given for actions - this will take place while they are still in office.
representatives can vote them out if they are unhappy.
there is clear communication between the electorate and the elected
Purpose of elections?
Development of political policy
public opinion changes these policies significantly.
2017 - Conservatives advanced policy requiring people to sell their homes for elderly social care (dementia tax).
this resulted in a large proportion of public anger and so this dementia tax was abandoned in the election campaign.
Purpose of elections?
Selection of a political elite
Parties decide who runs in an election under their party name.
they may be included in the formation of the government - the political elite are responsible for the smooth-running of society.
the election is an opportunity to prove they re competent in doing so.
