Proportional representation (quiz)

Question 1

What is the party list system?

Answer 1

-the party leaders draw up a list of candidates in order of how much they want them to become an MP
-the proportion of the vote the party gets, that proportion of the list becomes an MP

Question 2

Who do you vote for with the party list system?

Answer 2

-for a party, not a representative

Question 3

Is there an MP-Constituency link with the party list system?

Answer 3

-no, the party chooses which member is put in which constituency

Question 4

How can the party list system be improved?

Answer 4

-splitting the country up into regions
-specific MPs can be given to each region
-improves proportionality, but not hugely

Question 5

Where is the party list system used?

Answer 5

-was used in the UK for European Elections (11 areas, each voted for 10/11 MEPs)

Question 6

What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?

Answer 6

-a hybrid system, a mix of FPTP and List PR

Question 7

Where is AMS used?

Answer 7

-for electing members of Scottish/Welsh Parliaments + London Assembly

Question 8

How does AMS work?

Answer 8

-voters have 2 ballot papers and 2 votes
-the first list shows constituency reps.
-the second list shows all the parties standing for the election
-the parties then choose the number of MPs who win seats

Question 9

What MPs are made from AMS?

Answer 9

-two types, one regional and one constituency (these have a constituency link)

Question 10

What is the second list needed for with AMS?

Answer 10

-to make up underrepresentation for constituency votes

Question 11

What is the Single Transferrable Vote (STV) system?

Answer 11

-there are multi-member constituencies
-voters rank the candidates in order of preference
-a candidate with more than the quota is immediately elected
-the least popular candidate is eliminated, and the second choice votes are distributed

Question 12

Where is STV used?

Answer 12

-for European Elections in NI
-for Scottish Local Council Elections

Question 13

Why is STV good?

Answer 13

-there are no wasted votes

Question 14

What is the Alternative Vote (AV) system?

Answer 14

-the voter ranks candidates in order of preference
-if a candidate gets about 50%, they are immediately elected
-if no one gets above 50%, the last candidate is eliminated, the second choice votes are transferred
-this continues until someone gets a majority

Question 15

Where is AV used?

Answer 15

-for the election of chairs to Parliamentary select committees