UK Politics 3.1 - Different Electoral Systems Flashcards
(14 cards)
How does FPTP work
The candidate with the largest share of the vote wins even if there is no majority
Where is FPTP used
Uk general election and local council elections
How can FPTP be described in essays
Simple plurality system
4 pros of FPTP
1) speed and simplicity
2) strong single party government
3) exclusion of extremist parties due to importance of geographically concentrated support
4) strong MP constituency link
Example of FPTP strong MP constituency link
October 2022 33 tory MPs abstained from a vote banning fracking after Liz Truss asked them to vote against it due to strong opposition in their constituencies
4 cons of FPTP
1) over half of MPs do not have a majority of the vote weakening their mandate and legitimacy
2) lack of national proportionality and winners bonus due to importance of geographically concentrated support
3)limited voter choice meaning votes in safe seats matter less
4) overall gives the single party gov a weak mandate
Where is AMS used
Scottish Parliament
Welsh Assembly
Greater London Assembly
How does AMS work
Electorate votes for one candidate and one party.
Candidates are then selected based on the proportion of votes for their party from a closed list which is ranked by party leadership.
4 pros of AMS
1) party list ‘tops up’ the proportionality
2) strong MP constituency link remains based on FPTP element
3) dual votes means votes are less likely to be wasted
4) stable coalitions
4 cons of AMS
1) closed list system gives the party the ability to choose loyal MPs limiting the chance they will act to represent their constituents
2) in smaller areas, the proportionality element is limited by the lack of seats for closed list candidates
3) weak minority governments effect less change
4) voter choice element creates two tiers of MPs
Where is STV used
Northern Ireland Assembly
How does STV work
Voters rank the candidates from best to worst. Once the candidate reaches the 20% quota in Northern Ireland, anyone extra who placed them in first place has their second choice voted counted instead and so on until 5 MPs are elected
3 Pros of STV
1) highly proportional
2) wide voter choice, can choose candidates from same party
3) power sharing in NI has helped post the Troubles
3 Cons of STV
1) slow and complicated
2) weak MP constituency link
3) rival parties in government prone to conflict eg. Suspension of Stormont
