Electoral systems vocab list

Question 1

FPTP

Answer 1

An electoral system in which the single candidate/party is selected by a simple maj

Question 2

SV

Answer 2

An electoral system used to elect a single winner, in which the voter ranks 2 of the candidates in order of preference

Question 3

Minority government

Answer 3

A gov in which the gov party has the most seats but still less than half the total

Question 4

Constituency

Answer 4

A group of voters in a specified area who elect a rep to a leg body

Question 5

Plurality

Answer 5

The number of voters for a candidate who recieves more than any other but does not recieve an overall majority

Question 6

Safe seat

Answer 6

A parl seat that is likely to be retained with a large maj in an election

Question 7

AMS

Answer 7

A mixed electoral system using FPTP in local constituencies and additional seat distribution regionally to make it more proportional

Question 8

Coalition government

Answer 8

Political parties enter a power sharing arrangement of the executive - usually happens when a single party has achieved an absolute majority after an election

Question 9

Government by consent

Answer 9

A government whose constituency and policies enjoy the support of the majority of the population

Question 10

PR

Answer 10

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them

Question 11

Tactical voting

Answer 11

When a voter votes for a candidate or party other than their sincere preference to prevent an undesirable outcome

Question 12

STV

Answer 12

When a person’s vote can be transferred to a second or competing candidate (according to the order of preference) if their first choice is eliminated