Exam Q - Constitutional change - Electoral Reform Flashcards
1
Q
Labour 1997-2010
A
- Lib Dems won enough seats to promote the issue of introducing a new electoral system but Labour wouldn’t support the proposals - abandoned.
- Through devolution, created electoral systems for different regions (Scotland - AMS and Wales and N.I - STV) to reflect the party system and avoiding a two-party system like in England.
- Introduced elected assemblies in Wales and N. Ireland and a parliament in Scotland.
2
Q
Did the Labour reforms increase democracy?
A
Somewhat
+ Further extended the vote by devolution - introduced elected assemblies and parliament.
+ However, no reform to the national electoral system to a PR system wanted by Lib Dems.
3
Q
Coalition Government (2010-15)
A
- Lib Dems insisted on consideration of electoral reform, aimed for a PR system but the Tories were opposed. Compromised in 2011 Referendum, proposing less radical reform of introducing an AV system but it was rejected.
- But PR used in European Parliament elections (briefly until Brexit).
+ Scottish Referendum 2014 allowed 16/17 year olds the vote - considered very successful and wanted to introduce it for all general elections (some debates about this for Eng elections).
4
Q
Did the reform under the Conservatives increase democracy?
A
No:
+ Failed attempt to introduce electoral reform by referendum.
Yes:
+ Introduced PR in smaller sub-central systems.
+ Increased age of electorate in Scottish Referendum 2014.
5
Q
Reform under the Conservatives (2015-present)
A
- In January 2020, legislation was passed to reduce the voting age to 16 for local elections and Senedd elections in Wales, which was active for the first time in the May 2021 Senedd election.
- The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 repealed the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 and made the maximum term of a Parliament (rather than the period between GE) five years.
- Passed in 2022, voters must carry an ID to prove their identity to vote, as shown during 2023 local elections.
