October 25, Slide 8 Flashcards
Why does SMP tend toward a two-party system?
SMP favors larger parties because only the candidate with the most votes wins, discouraging support for smaller parties that are unlikely to win outright. This dynamic often consolidates power among two dominant parties.
How does SMP encourage regionalism?
Smaller parties with strong regional support, like the Bloc Québécois, can thrive under SMP because their geographic base allows them to win multiple districts even with a small share of the national vote.
What is a notable example of SMP benefiting a geographically concentrated party?
In 2008, the Bloc Québécois won 49 seats with just 10% of the national vote because their support was concentrated in Quebec.
How does SMP influence regional issues in politics?
SMP amplifies regional concerns because parties often cater to localized voter bases to secure district victories, making regional interests more politically salient.
How does Single Member Majority differ from SMP?
In a Single Member Majority system, candidates must secure over 50% of the vote to win. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, a runoff election is held between the top contenders.
Why does SMP create stable alliances in some countries, like France?
Although France uses a Single Member Majority system, the necessity of winning district-level majorities often leads to alliances between smaller parties to consolidate support and avoid vote splitting.
How does SMP affect perceptions of fairness in resource distribution?
SMP often frames questions of resource allocation and inequality in terms of regions, as geographic representation plays a key role in determining “who gets what, when, and how.”
What is Single Member Plurality (SMP)?
Single Member Plurality (SMP), also known as “First Past the Post,” is an electoral system where voters in each district elect one representative, and the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority. This system emphasizes geographic representation but can lead to disproportionate outcomes, such as a party winning a majority of seats without a majority of votes.
