ELECTORAL SYSTEMS

Question 1

What is the electoral system used in the UK?

Answer 1

First Past The Post (FPTP)

Question 2

What is Proportional Representation?

Answer 2

An electoral system where the aim is for the percentage of votes to be proportional to the percentage of seats won (In the UK)

Question 3

What are examples of Proportional Representation Systems?

Answer 3

Single Transferrable Vote, Additional Member System

Question 4

What are advantages and disadvantages of FPTP?

Answer 4

A: Simple to use, clear winner, extremist parties can’t get into power, produce single party majority to deliver manifesto, strong mp-constinuency link

D: Doesn’t allow representation of smaller parties, sometimes the winner is the loser, disproportionate results, votes are wasted, encourages tactical voting

Question 5

What is the Additional Member System? (AMS)

Answer 5

A hybrid electoral system that uses elements of FPTP and PR. First vote is for a constituency representative and the second vote is for a political or regional party.

Question 6

Where has AMS been used in the UK?

Answer 6

In the Scottish Parliament.

Question 7

What are the advantages and disadvantages of AMS?

Answer 7

A: Ensures proportionality, allows smaller parties a better chance through regional list, constituents can contact a regional MSP elected who better matches their political views

D: Can be very confusing and decrease voter turnout, creates two types of representatives which can also create tension between MSP’s, usually would be a coalition and doesn’t allow majorities

Question 8

What is the Supplementary Vote System? (SV)

Answer 8

Majoritarian voting system used in the UK in which voters can express two preferences. (First choice and second choice)

Question 9

Where has SV voting been used in the UK?

Answer 9

Previously in the Mayoral Elections until 2024 and is used in police commisioner elections.

Question 10

What are advantages and disadvantages of SV?

Answer 10

A: Deemed more legitimate, clear winner

D: Can lead to multiple rounds of voting, can lead to false majorities

Question 11

What is the Single Transferrable Vote? (STV)

Answer 11

Voters will rank candidates in order of preference and the candidates must reach a quota to win. All first choice votes are counted to see if there is a majority and if not it goes down to second, third, etc.

Question 12

Where is STV used in the UK?

Answer 12

Northern Irish Assembly.

Question 13

What are advantages and disadvantages of STV?

Answer 13

A: Most proportional System in UK, gives more voter choice, greater representation, central to democracy in NI due to deeply entrenched political polarisation

D: More complicated, unlikely to produce single party government, weak Consticuency-MP link, system is complex to count, NI ends in suspension of assembly most of the time

Question 14

What are the 4 most recent major referendums?

Answer 14

• Brexit (2016)
• Scottish Indepenence (2014)
• AV+ Voting System (2011)
• North East England Assembly (2004)

Question 15

What are advantages of using referendums?

Answer 15

• Gives legitimacy and a strong mandate
• Increases engagement and voter turnout
• Settles controversial issues
• Demonstrates direct democracy

Question 16

What are disadvantages of using referendums?

Answer 16

• Can cause division due to small margins of win/loss
• Relies on people educating themselves on political issues
• Electoral fatigue, people may get fatigued with voting
• Referendums cost a lot of money, Brexit alone cost £129 Million