Elections and voting

Question 1

What is the reason behind voting

Answer 1

mechanism for making collective decisions
- key component of representation
- Ensure that majority preferences are reflected in decisions

Question 2

What is central to democracy

Answer 2

elections

Question 3

What are the two basic types of electorial systems

Answer 3

1. Plurality
2. proportional representation

Question 4

What is Plurality

Answer 4

• Single- Member- Plurality
• simple (the most votes wins)
• gives clear majority
  -Encourages strong opposition parties

Question 5

What are the problems of Plurality

Answer 5

• Exaggerates margins of victory
• the “wasted vote” problem
• votes for a party that can’t actually win is a waste vote

Question 6

What is proportional representation

Answer 6

• prioritizes adequate representation of public opinions
• favours the participation of minority and smaller parties
• Reduces the waste vote

Question 7

What are the problems with Proportional representation

Answer 7

• encourages fragmentation of the party system
• disproportionate power to small parties

Question 8

What are hybrid systems; Alternative member model

Answer 8

Some seats elected by majority and others by proportional representation

• some systems use multiple rounds of elections

Question 9

Why are political parties important

Answer 9

considered important feature of almost all political system

Question 10

what are the functions of Political parties

Answer 10

1. legitimize the political system
2. integration of citizens
3. representation
4. recruitment of leaders for public office
5. formulation of public policy