Unit 1, 2.1 Elections and Voting: Elections and Representation

Question 1

What is an election?

Answer 1

Where the electorate select individuals who fill particular posts. Elections to public office are a central feature of the democratic process. Members of the legislature are chosen in elections.

Question 2

What is a mandate?

Answer 2

A authoritative instruction or command. The doctrine of mandate gives the winning party the authority to carry out the programme it presented to the electorate. The mandate also implies that a government will not introduce a major policy change unless it has been presented to the electorate.

Question 3

What are the functions of elections?

Answer 3

• Representation
• Choosing a government
• Participation
• Influence over policy
• Accountability
• Citizen education
• Legitimacy

Question 4

What is legitimacy?

Answer 4

The authority to exercise power. A government claims legitimacy as a result of the mandate it secures in a general election.

Question 5

What is representation?

Answer 5

The process where an individual/s act on behalf of a larger group.

Question 6

What is a delegate?

Answer 6

An individual authorised to act on behalf of others but is bound by clear instructions.

Question 7

What is a trustee?

Answer 7

An individual who has formal responsibility for the interests of another.

Question 8

What is constituency representation?

Answer 8

MPs are expected to protect and advance the collective interests of the constituency they represent. However, in reality, most MPs no not defy their party whip in the interests of their constituents.

Question 9

What are the types of elections in the UK?

Answer 9

• General elections
• European Parliament elections
• Elections to devolved assemblies
• Local elections
• By-elections