Topic 2: Elections and Referendums

Question 1

1. Explain and analyse 3 issues with/disadvantages of FPTP electoral system:

Answer 1

1. Disproportionality – in 2024 general election, reform had 0.8% seat share where the Lib Dems had 11.1%, despite reform having more votes (wasted votes)
2. Tactical voting– 2019 Brexit referendum - in Putney, Ldn, (historically conservative) they voted labour/ Lib Dems only bc they didn’t want Brexit to go through
3. Two-party system – 2024 election, 80.8% of seats went to Conservatives and Labour. This has stayed consistent.

Question 2

2. Explain and analyse 3 circumstances under which referendums have been held in the UK:

Answer 2

1. 2016 Brexit referendum - 51.9% voted ‘Leave’
2. 2014 Scottish Independence referendum - ScottishNationalParty - 55.3% ‘no’ - ‘better together’ campaign, better economic benefits as a larger union.
3. 2011 AV referendum- Conservative-Lib Dem coalition - 68% voted no to changing FPTP

Question 3

3. Explain and analyse 3 factors that can affect voting behaviour:

Answer 3

1. Social class – Class dealignment evident in 2019 with Conservative gains in “Red Wall” areas.
2. Media influence – The Sun’s support for Boris Johnson in 2019 election.
3. Leadership – Corbyn’s perceived weakness vs. Johnson’s campaign style in 2019.

Question 4

4. Explain and analyse the significance of the electoral system in three elections (1997, pre-1997, post-1997):

Answer 4

1. 1997 – Labour’s landslide due to tactical voting and FPTP.
2. Post-1997 (2019) – Conservatives gained 80-seat majority, benefitted from vote concentration.
3. Pre-1997 (1979) – Thatcher’s victory demonstrated FPTP amplifying majority.

Question 5

5. Explain and analyse the advantages of alternative electoral systems:

Answer 5

1. Proportionality – AMS in Scottish Parliament gives proportional representation.
2. Voter choice – STV in Northern Ireland encourages coalition-building.
3. Reduces wasted votes – SV in London Mayoral elections ensures broader support.