electoral systmes Flashcards
1
Q
FPTP advantages
A
- clear single party government, Cons winning 331 seats in 2015 allows chance to act freely on manifesto
- allows by elections so doesn’t leave voters without a representative, for example cons MP Zac Goldsmith resigned over runway at Heathrow but was quickly replaced by a Lib Dem
- provides link between MP and constituency as they are directly responsible for them and can easily be held accountable
2
Q
FPTP disadvantages
A
- not proportional representation % seats doesn’t equal % votes and favours two main parties, SNP 2015 50% of votes and 95% of seats
- discriminates against smaller parties who have votes spread across UK like UKIP who got 3.8 million votes but only 1 seat
- safe/marginal seats resulting in tactical voting, like North East, cons getting only 45 more votes than lib dems
3
Q
STV advantages
A
- % votes closely reflects % of seats, in 2017 SNP winning 33% of votes and 35% seats
- more choice for voters candidate wise and party wise
4
Q
STV disadvantages
A
- leads to coalitions which no one voted for, in may 2017 29 out of 32 councils do not have a single party leadership
5
Q
AMS advantages
A
- allows smaller parties and independent candidates get elected, in 2003 Scottish parliament better known as rainbow parliament as SSP and Green won 13 regional seats
- fewer votes wasted less need for tactical voting
- more chance for woman, 2011 45 woman elected as MSP’s
6
Q
AMS disadvantages
A
- by elections do not occur if MSP’s resign, the party chooses another candidates, happened 3 times in 2011-16 parliament
