U1. Electoral systems Flashcards
Define ‘absolute majority’
This refers to the result of the vote where the winner receives more than all the other candidates put together. In other words, the winner receives at least 50% of the total votes.
What is a constituency?
A constituency is a geographical area used to determine which people each elected representative represents. UK parliamentary constituencies are roughly 75,000 voters in size. Constituencies in devolved systems and local government are much smaller but also roughly equal in size. Elected representatives are expected to look after the interests of their constituency.
Define first-past-the-post
The name commonly used to describe the UK’s electoral system for general elections, although it’s more formal title is ‘plurality in single-member constituencies’
What is government by consent?
The idea, devolved by liberal theorists that government must enjoy the consent of people who are to be governed. This also implies that the people must show consent to how they are governed and what the system of government should be.
What is an initiative?
A device used in some countries, including switzerland and parts of the USA, whereby a petition signed by large numbers of voters can trigger a , referendum. The voters, rather than government, decide what issues should be put to a referendum
Explain what it means to have a majority government
A government whose members and supporters constitute a majority of the members of the legislation (e.g. House of Commons or Scottish Parliament). This means they find it relatively easy to pass legislation and tends to make them stable and long lasting
Explain what it means to have a minority government
A government whose members and supporters constitute a majority of the members. In other words, there ee more opposition-supporting members that government-supporting members. Such a minority government finds it difficult to pass legislation and is likely to be unstable and short lived.
Define the term ‘plurality’
This term refers to the result of an election where the winner only has to obtain more votes than any of their opponents. It does not mean the winner has an absolute majority.
What is proportional representation?
This refers to any electoral system that tends to produce a proportional outcome. In other words, the seats in a representative body are awarded in an election broadly in the same proportion as the votes cast for each party. So, for example, if a party wins 40% of the votes it will be awarded approximately 40% of the seats available. The regional list system and single transferable vote system are good examples of PR.
Define ‘referendum’
A vote which may be national, regional or local, in which qualified voters are asked a single question about a proposal where the answer is either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. National referendums are not legally binding on Parliament or government, but it is unthinkable that their outcome will be ignored.
Explain what it means to have a safe seat
A constituency where it is highly unlikely that the seat will change hands from one party to another at an election.
Describe tactical voting
When voters in UK general election feel that their first-choice vote will be wasted because it is for a party that has no chance of winning the constituency, they may change their vote to a second choice. By doing this they may have an influence on the outcome. Typically, supporters of the Liberal Democrats or Green Party vote either labour or Conservatives because their first-choice party cannot win the constituency. This is know as tactical voting.
