Democratic Deficit Flashcards
(1 cards)
FPTP -agree
The use of FPTP to select members of parliament to the House of Commons is a very significant indicator of the UK suffering from a democratic deficit. FPTP is pluralist system which favours larger parties with concentrated support. Smaller parties who win a large amount of the vote are disadvantage by FPTP. For example, In 2015 UKIP won 3,000,000 votes, due to the flawed nature of the votes recorded they were only rewarded one seat under FPTP. FPTP also creates ‘safe seats’ and where the seat does not change party hands for years. Furthemore, there is a 2-party dominance in party funding.Labour and conservatives have dominated for over 20 years and it doesn’t look like it will change. E.g. libdems have £1.6mill conservative have £1.8mill and labour have more than £9.5million. These parties supporters are underrepresented ;party struggles to compete financially. These examples illustrate that the UK is suffering from a democratic crisis due to the electoral system and severe under representation of minor parties.
Limits their ability to campaign and influence which even whilst having significant public support.
