ELECTORAL SYSTEMS & S+W

Question 0

Strengths of STV

Answer 0

1. No votes are wasted
2. Voters get more choice
3. constituents feel better represented
4. Fairer to smaller parties
5. Promotes unity
6. Easier for women and ethnic minorities to be elected

Question 1

5 POINTS ON STV SYSTEM

Answer 1

1⃣ large multimember constituencies (around 6 each)
2⃣ voters vote for as many candidates as they want and in order of preference
3⃣ quota- 50%+1 of votes- if MP’s exceed this quota➡️ ELECTED
4⃣ if no more candidates reach this
FEWEST no 1’s is eliminated & no2’s distributed.

Question 2

Weaknesses of STV

Answer 2

1. Favours larger parties
2. Usually coalition
3. Long time to get result
4. No MP & constituency link

Question 3

2 points of ABSOLUTE MAJORITY SYSTEM

Answer 3

1. FIRST BALLOT
   - as many candidates as want to can stand
   - need over half of the vote to be elected without a second ballot
   - no more candidates get half ➡️ second ballot
2. SECOND BALLOT
   - only top 2 candidates can stand
   - one of them will get half by definition

Question 4

STRENGTHS OF ABSOLUTE MAJORITY

Answer 4

1. strong MP & constituency link
2. strong and stable governments
3. Separately vote- for candidate without supporting party
4. less under-representation

Question 5

WEAKNESSES OF ABSOLUTE MAJORITY

Answer 5

1. confusion- 2 separate classes of representation
2. Half of MP’s not accountable to any voters
3. Parties retain power by selecting candidates
   - gain constituency seats
4. Constituency representation is less effective
   - larger constituencies

Question 6

PARTY LIST SYSTEM

Answer 6

1. Party submits list of MP’s (in order or preference/ merit)
   ➡️ no. Constituencies= no. MP’s on list
2. VOTERS VOTE FOR PARTY
3. Total % of votes =total % of MP’s on the list