Theme B: Voting Systems Flashcards
What is the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system?
The FPTP system is used in UK general and local elections where the UK is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing one candidate as a Member of Parliament (MP).
How does a voter cast their vote in the FPTP system?
Voters put a cross next to the candidate they want to vote for on a ballot paper.
How is the winner determined in the FPTP system?
The candidate with the most votes is elected as MP for that constituency.
What is proportional representation (PR)?
PR is a voting system where seats are awarded based on the percentage of votes each party wins.
What do parties have in a proportional representation system?
Parties have a list of prospective candidates.
How are candidates allocated seats in a PR system?
Candidates are allocated seats based on their popularity within the party.
What is one strength of the FPTP voting system?
It is a simple system to understand and doesn’t cost much to run.
What is one weakness of the FPTP voting system?
Only winning votes count, so candidates may be elected without broad support.
What is another strength of the FPTP voting system?
Results are calculated quickly and announced hours after voting has closed.
What is a weakness of the FPTP system related to voter behavior?
It encourages tactical voting if a voter’s preferred candidate is unlikely to win.
What is a consequence of the FPTP system regarding party representation?
It tends to produce a two-party system, resulting in single-party governments.
What is one strength of the proportional representation system?
It results in fewer wasted votes.
What is a weakness of the proportional representation system?
MPs may have no links to a specific constituency.
What is another strength of proportional representation?
It offers more choice to voters.
What is a criticism of proportional representation?
It allows extremists into the political mainstream.
