Electoral Systems Flashcards
What is FPTP?
An electoral system where majority wins ( one more vote than other contenders )
What is AMS?
The voter makes two choices. Firstly selects a representative on a FPTP system then a second vote on a party list for a second representative
What is STV?
Allows voters to rank their voting preferences in numerical order rather than having one voting choice. After votes are cast those with least seats are eliminated and votes are transferred
What is SV?
A majoritarian system. Voter makes two choices. If one candidate obtains 50% then contest in complete. No achieves this all candidates at eliminated and top two remain. Was used in voting for mayors and police ended in 2022
What is a safe seat ?
has a considerable majority over the closest rival and which is largely immune from swings in voting choice. The same political party retains the seat from election to election.A majority of seats in UK Westminster constituencies are safe
seats.
What is a marginal seat ?
A seat held by the incumbent with a small majority. Marginal seats are important as they are where the outcomes of elections are decided. Only a minority of seats in UK Westminster constituencies are marginal.
What is a minority government ?
A government that enters office but which does not have a
majority of seats in the legislature (Parliament). This makes passing legislation very difficult.
What is a coalition government ?
A government that is formed of more than one political party. It is normally accompanied by an agreement over policy options and office of state, as was the Conservative-Liberal-Democrat coalition from 2010–2015
