Elections Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the primary purpose of elections in a democracy?
To allow citizens to choose their representatives and influence government policy.
True or False: Elections are held at both local and national levels.
True
What term describes the period when voters can register to vote before an election?
Voter registration period
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a system where voters can directly elect their representatives.
Representative democracy
What is the difference between a general election and a by-election?
A general election is held to elect members of parliament, while a by-election is held to fill a vacancy between general elections.
What is a ‘swing voter’?
A voter who can be persuaded to vote for either major political party.
What electoral system is used in the UK for general elections?
First Past the Post
True or False: Proportional representation guarantees that political parties receive seats in direct proportion to the number of votes they receive.
True
What is a ‘safe seat’?
A constituency where one political party has a strong likelihood of winning.
What is meant by ‘voter apathy’?
A lack of interest or motivation among voters to participate in elections.
What is a ‘manifesto’?
A document outlining a political party’s policies and proposals for the upcoming election.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the period before an election when candidates campaign for votes.
Election campaign
What is the term for the practice of drawing district boundaries to benefit a particular political party?
Gerrymandering
What does ‘turnout’ refer to in the context of elections?
The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast a vote.
True or False: All elections in the UK require a voter ID.
False
What is the role of the Electoral Commission in the UK?
To oversee and regulate elections and referendums.
What does ‘postal voting’ allow voters to do?
Vote by mail rather than attending a polling station in person.
What is a ‘referendum’?
A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal.
Fill in the blank: In the UK, the __________ is responsible for calling general elections.
Prime Minister
What is the term for the practice of voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot?
Split ticket voting
What is ‘electoral fraud’?
Illegal interference with the election process.
True or False: The UK has a system of compulsory voting.
False
What is a ‘political party’?
An organized group of people with similar political aims and opinions.
What does ‘incumbent’ mean in an electoral context?
The current holder of a political office.
