Essay Exam

Question 1

What is the First Past the Post system?

Answer 1

The First Past the Post system is a plurality election system based on single-member 650 geographic areas called constituencies. This system in used in UK elections to this day, each constituency has one MP in the house of commons making it a single member constituency. Each member will elect a candidate to run for election in the constituency, voters will then choose which candidate they want by ticking their chosen candidate – the candidate with the most votes gains a seat in the constituency, becoming elective representative.

Question 2

Analysis of the First Past the Post system

Answer 2

The winner does not necessarily have to have an overwhelming number of votes in their favour, but instead just replace second place. This seems simple however the issue that arises is that, if two candidates are equally popular and dividing opinions, it may be easy to beat them by a vote or two. This also raises an issue as the other candidates may be popular but one, they lose they gain no seat or any influence. In 2017, SNP won a seat in Fife by just two votes after three recounts. This is the Winner Takes It All nature of the FPTP system. This system also geographically benefits some parties compared to others – Labour and Conservative hold more geographic influence in constituencies, meaning they are more than likely to benefit from the FPTP system. This means that smaller parties suffer and are unfairly punished for not holding larger influence. Another issue with the FPTP system is the over-rewarding nature of it, for example on 1997 Labour won the vote by 43% but gained a staggering 63% of seats, making it a 50% increase with a difference of 20 – the question of whether Labour deserves these seats is asked, because they did not gain 63% of the vote, why are they getting that in seats?

Question 3

Statistics of the First Past the Post system

Answer 3

In 2017, SNP won a seat in Fife by just two votes after three recounts.
1997 Labour won the vote by 43% but gained a staggering 63% of seats, making it a 50% increase with a difference of 20
In 2010, 2015 and 2017, no one key party had complete dominance in the votes

Question 4

What is the Proportional Representation System of Election

Answer 4

The Proportional Representation model was introduced to Scotland, Wales and Ireland after the labour reforms in 1997, and the development of the Scottish Parliament. Within this is the Additional Member system, which is two votes on one ballot, a vote for the Scottish constitutional representative and the other vote is for the regional vote for party.

Question 5

Three main advantages of the Proportional Representation System

Answer 5

Greater representation
Proportional result
A government with a broad popularity

Question 6

What is the AMS?

Answer 6

Additional Member System

Question 7

Why is proportional result an advantage of the proportional system?

Answer 7

The more seats a party gains in the constituency vote, the more difficult it is for it to gain regional seats as its will be divided by a higher number, this reduces wasted votes and ensures more parties have a chance of being represented

Question 8

Why is a government with a broader popularity an advantage?

Answer 8

In order to form a single-party government, a party must have broad popularity across a whole country, not just concentrated pockets. If coalitions are formed, a great number of parties can have an input on policy. This supports greater legitimacy of the government

Question 9

Why is greater representation an advantage?

Answer 9

With all areas being represented by a constituency and regional representatives, there is more chance for the votes to find someone who shares their ideology represents them, potentially increasing turnout.

Question 10

What are the three disadvantages to the Proportional Representation method?

Answer 10

There are three main disadvantages of the system: it is more complicated, conducted using FPTP and different types of representatives.

Question 11

Why is complication a disadvantage of proportional representation - i.e. AMS

Answer 11

Although the process of voting is simple, what happens next is not. This can put voters off, as they may feel that their vote will be mathematically manipulated. This may therefore reduce turnout

Question 12

Why is the AMS system using the FPTP a disadvantage?

Answer 12

The constituency vote of AMS is conducted using FPTP. Therefore this carries with it the same disadvantages

Question 13

Why is different types of representatives a disadvantage of the AMS system

Answer 13

AMS creates two tiers of representatives, a constituency and a regional MSP. This can cause tension and confusion for the votes and blur accountability.

Question 14

What is an election?

Answer 14

An election is the process of which the electorate weigh in on decision-making, for many it is their only form of political influence. In a liberal democracy, elections should be competitive, fair and free. They should be competitive in a way that makes all people’s votes vital, they should be fair without bias by being overviewed by impartial judiciaries and free by meeting civil liberties such as freedom of speech, and press.

Question 15

What are manifestos?

Answer 15

Manifestos are essentially promises proposed by political parties campaigning to become head of the government in an upcoming election, these policies are expected to be delivered once they are voted in however sometimes they are not.

Question 16

What are the six main functions of the election?

Answer 16

Representation 
Choosing Government  
Legitimacy 
Influence over Policy 
Participation
Citizen Education

Question 17

Why is representation a function?

Answer 17

Representation – In an election, representation is vital as the voters are choosing an MP to elect to represent them in Parliament – representation is important for voters as a group and individually.

Question 18

Why is choosing a government a function?

Answer 18

Choosing Government – This is vital as it shows accountability, any party in power can be held accountable and won’t be voted if they wrong the public – this is essentially delivering a verdict on the government.

Question 19

Why is legitimacy a function?

Answer 19

Legitimacy – By voting the people are legitimising the government and consenting to the political system in place. Legitimacy is important for the government to hold and maintain power.

Question 20

Why is influence over policy a function?

Answer 20

Influence over Policy – Influence over policy is also a vital function as they allow citizens to have a voice of their preferred policy to pass.

Question 21

Why is participation a function?

Answer 21

Participation – This is vital as it simply gets the public involved in decision-making and democracy.

Question 22

Why is Citizen Education a function?

Answer 22

Citizen Education – Electoral campaigns inform the citizens of what and who they are voting for, keeping the public informed is important – they need to keep up to date with party policies and major issues.

Question 23

What is the Constitution?

Answer 23

A constitution is a set of rules, laws and practices that determine how the State and society are governed, it defines the relationship between state and the individual, and governs the institutions within the political system. The constitution also establishes the relationships between different political institutions. In a sense the constitution is the framework for how the political system runs, it is establishing how institutions are ran within the political system, where and how decision-making is passed and protects the rights of the citizens while doing so. It does this in a formal Bill of Rights.

Question 24

What is the Bill of Rights?

Answer 24

The Bill of Rights is an authoritative statement of the rights of the people usually existing within a codified constitution.

Question 25

Why is a constitution important?

Answer 25

In a liberal democracy, a constitution protects the purity of the rights of the people by ensuring that the state, its institutions, and other political powers cannot abuse their power creating a limited Government. A limited government is held back within the political system by legal constraints to ensure there is no abuse of power. In some countries, a Judiciary can use the constitution to question if the State acted lawful and legitimate (constitutional) or failed to do so (unconstitutional). A constitution is impactful and very alive in modern politics, it provides the frameworks of the electoral system for example.

Question 26

What is an uncodified constitution?

Answer 26

A codified constitution is which all the rules that govern a state are within one authoritative document, this is true for the United States Constitution that has become an iconic position within American politics. Therefore, the American Constitution begins with a capital ‘C.’ The provisions of codified constitutions are irreversibly entrenched, meaning that they are difficult to change without supermajorities and popular referendum. Codified Constitution has fundamental law which has a higher status to protect constitutional law from regular law passed by the legislature. Within a political system with a codified constitution the supreme court holds other political institutional accountable under supreme law. Codified constitutions are formed with vital moments in a nation’s history such as the newly found Independence, United States in 1789 or War and Occupation such as Germany’s Basic Law of 1949, these create fundamental law which is constitutional law within a codified constitution.

Question 27

What is an uncodified constitution?

Answer 27

An uncodified constitution has no set document of rules and laws, and instead found within numerous places within the political system. Although the term ‘unwritten constitution’ is misleading as although for a while there was no singular constitutional document, many are written in common law, historical documents, and statute law. Some vital historical documents that contain these laws of the constitution are the Magna Carta (1215), Bill of Rights (1689), Act of Settlements (1701), Acts of Union (1707), Acts of Parliament (1911, 1949) and European Communities Act (1972).

Question 28

What are the main differences between a codified and uncodified constitution?

Answer 28

Document - Codified has one authoritative document, uncodified has many
Entrenchment and Amendment - Codified constitution is set and rigid (entrenched), uncodified is easily changed and amended - same as any other law. Codified has fundamental law.
Judiciaries - Determine whether state is constitution (codified), difficult to do this with an uncodified constitution as there is no one set document.

Question 29

What are the strengths of the UK constitution?

Answer 29

Adaptability

Strong Government

Accountability

Question 30

What are the weaknesses of the UK constitution?

Answer 30

Outdated and Undemocratic

Concentration of Power

Lack of Clarity

Question 31

Why is adaptability a strength of the UK constitution?

Answer 31

The UK constitution has adapted and formed gradually in the face of changing circumstances. Pragmatic reforms, introduced where there is a clear case for change, have enabled the constitution to adapt without the need for parliamentary supermajorities or approval by the means of a referendum. This is the reason Conservatives tend to view the constitution as a living body of rules rather than an artificial creation.

Question 32

Why is Strong Government a strength of the UK constitution?

Answer 32

The Traditional constitution provides for strong and effective government. Although the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty dictates that the legislature holds supreme authority within the political system. The political system is made of governing political parties that exercise control over the legislature process in the House of Commons through its majority, the Government therefore can implement most of its political objectives.

Question 33

Why is accountability a strength of the UK constitution?

Answer 33

Although it holds considerable virtue of its control over legislature, the government is accountable to both parliament, which scrutinizes its activities, and wider electorate. In a general election operating under a two-party system, voters effectively choose between alternative governments. An unpopular Government will pay the price of the polls.

Question 34

Why is ‘Out-dated and Undemocratic’ a weakness of the UK constitution

Answer 34

Critics of the Traditions constitution portray it as inefficient, outdated and undemocratic. Key elements of common law, notably the royal prerogative, date back to the medieval times – just as the House of Lords is a throwback to a pre-democratic era. It is hard to justify the hereditary principle in a democratic state.

Question 35

Why is ‘Concentration of Power’ a weakness of the UK constitution

Answer 35

Power is concentrated in the centre and there are few safeguards against the arbitrary exercise of power. Parliamentary sovereignty and the absence of a codified constitution mean that even the key tenets of the rule of law are not fully protected. A government with a strong majority can force through legislation, undermining civil liberties and weakening other institutions.

Question 36

Why is ‘Lack of Clarity’ a weakness of the UK constitution

Answer 36

The uncodified nature of the constitution creates problems for clarity and interpretation. It is not always immediately clear where a government has acted unconstitutionally. Parliament, controlled by the Government of the day, is the final arbiter of the constitution. The Government can use its control of Legislator to pass new Acts that overturn unfavourable rulings in court. The rights and responsibilities of citizens are poorly defined and entrenched, making it all difficult for citizens to engage with the system.

Question 37

Argument for Codified UK constitution

Answer 37

There would be greater clarity on what is and what is not constitutional – erasing ambiguities created by not having one authoritative document.

Question 38

Argument against a codified UK constitution

Answer 38

A codified constitution would remove the flexibility and adaptability of the uncodified constitution of the UK – the UK constitution has been successful because of its organic growth and durability. Codified constitutions may reflect more views and necessary developments in the time of its development, and it can become quickly outdated.

Question 39

What is the Magna Carta (1215)

Answer 39

The Magna Carta was the first document written that conceded by King John that the King and his Government, were not above the law - its goal was to limit the Kings power and authority, by making Law a power within itself.

Question 40

What is the State?

Answer 40

The state is the powers and institutions within a state.