Theme B: General Elections Flashcards
What is a general election in the UK?
A general election gives people an opportunity to vote for their Member of Parliament (MP) in the 650 constituencies in the UK.
How often do general elections occur in the UK?
Under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011, a general election takes place at least every five years on the first Thursday in May.
What can trigger an earlier general election in the UK?
An earlier election can be called if there is a ‘vote of no confidence’ in the current government.
What is required for the House of Commons to hold an election?
The House of Commons can vote to hold an election at any time with a two-thirds majority.
Who can vote in the UK?
People aged 18 years or over on polling day who are UK or qualifying Commonwealth citizens, registered to vote, and not legally excluded from voting.
Who cannot vote in the UK?
Members of the House of Lords, economic migrants from the EU without full UK citizenship, convicted prisoners, and persons found guilty of election corruption.
What is the common debate regarding extending the franchise?
The debate often centers around allowing those aged 16 to 18 to vote.
What are two arguments in favor of allowing 16-year-olds to vote?
They should have a say in their future and are allowed to make responsible decisions, such as choosing their own medical treatment.
What are two arguments against allowing 16-year-olds to vote?
Some 16-year-olds may be uninformed or immature, and they might be influenced by peers or parents.
What voting system does the UK use for general elections?
The UK operates a first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system.
What is required for a party to form a majority government in the UK?
A party must win in 326 constituencies or more.
What is democracy?
Democracy means rule by the people, giving citizens the power to have a say in how they are governed.
What are the two main types of democracy in the UK?
- Representative Democracy: Citizens elect MPs to make decisions for them in Parliament.
- Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on an issue (e.g. referendums).
What are the strengths of representative democracy?
Practical for large populations.
MPs are (usually) experienced and informed.
What are the weaknesses of representative democracy?
Public may feel distant from decisions.
MPs may not always reflect their voters’ views.
What are the strengths of direct democracy?
People have direct control.
Encourages participation.
What are the weaknesses of direct democracy?
Can oversimplify complex issues.
People may not have all the facts.
How does the first-past-the-post system work?
Each person votes for one candidate in their area. The candidate with the most votes wins, even if it’s not more than 50%.
What are the strengths of the first-past-the-post voting system?
Simple to understand.
Quick to count.
Often produces a strong government.
What are the weaknesses of the first-past-the-post voting system?
Can be unfair (winner may not get most overall votes nationally).
Smaller parties often lose out.
Many votes may be ‘wasted’.
What is proportional representation (PR)?
Seats in Parliament reflect the percentage of votes each party gets, used in other UK elections.
What are the strengths of proportional representation?
Fairer – all votes count.
Smaller parties have more chance.
Encourages coalitions and cooperation.
What are the weaknesses of proportional representation?
Can be confusing.
Coalition governments can be weaker or slower to decide things.
Who can vote in general elections?
Aged 18 or over.
A British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen.
On the electoral register.
