UK Politics 3.3 - Electoral System Analysis Flashcards
(9 cards)
4 criteria to judge an electoral system
1) Voter Choice
2) Representation and Proportionality
3) MP constituency link
4) type of government
What is a counter point to the importance of voter choice
It often comes at the cost of speed and simplicity
What is a counter point to the importance of representation and proportionality
It often comes at the cost of a single party government
What is a counter point to the importance of a strong MP Constituency link
Most voters vote for parties not MPs so the representatives themselves are slightly irrelevant
What is the counter point to the importance of a single party government
Single party governments often happen because of disproportionate voting systems and also they are not suitable to every area- importance of power sharing in Northern Ireland
Which system is the best in terms of voter choice
STV - it gives individuals multiple votes and even allows them to choose between candidates in the same party. The ranking system means fewer votes are wasted
Which system is the most proportional and why
STV - lack of single member constituencies ensures proportionality (in NI all have to reach a quota of 20% of the vote)
Which system has the strongest MP Constituency link and why
FPTP - ALL MPs are linked to constituencies compared to only about half in AMS. STV large constituencies and number of representatives weaken this connection
Which systems create which types of gov - positive of each given type
STV - power sharing gov, ensures representation of all communities post the Troubles
AMS - cooperative coalition and minority govs - still stable in Scotland and wales
FPTP - single party government with a clear mandate able to command significant change
