The party system in Westminster and beyond

Question 1

What has been happening to the proportion of seats controlled by the major two parties since 1979?

Answer 1

It has been steadily declining; with the figure albeit still quite high

Question 2

What is the problem with the parliamentary electoral system for smaller parties?

Answer 2

It will often discriminate agianst them and prevent them from turning their seats into votes

Question 3

How can the UK be defined as two different types of party system?

Answer 3

It could be considered two party in terms of seats but multi party in terms of votes

Question 4

How is the outcome of the 2010 general significant in the debate over whether the UK can still be consider a two party system?

Answer 4

More than 1/3 of the votes were won by parties outside of the ‘big 2’

Question 5

Which party has proved dominant in Wales since devolution, despite their AMS?

Answer 5

Labour

Question 6

What type of system have London mayoral system proven to be?

Answer 6

Two party dominant; with the conservatives and labour enjoying the lion’s share of victories

Question 7

Why is there disagreement over what type of party system is present in Northern Ireland?

Answer 7

Their system of PR ensures that lots of parties have a place in government - which would suggest it is a multi-party system. But the dominance of Sinn Fein and the DUP suggest it is a two-party system