Electoral Systems Flashcards
(61 cards)
FPTP
An electoral system where the person with the most number of votes is elected.
Victory is achieved by having one more vote than other candidates - also called a plurality system.
AMS
A hybrid electoral system that has 2 components.
The voter makes 2 choices - first makes a representative on a simple plurality (FPTP) system then a second vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or ‘additional’ representative.
STV
This system allows voters to rank their voting preferences in numerical order rather than having one choice.
In order to obtain a seat, a candidate must obtain a quota.
After the votes are cast, those with the least votes are eliminated and their votes transferred and those with excess votes above the quota also have their votes transferred.
SV
Majoritarian system.
Voter makes 2 choices.
If one candidate reaches over 50% on the first vote then the contest is complete, if no candidate attains this level, all but the top two candidates are eliminated.
Then the supplementary choices are re-distributed and whoever gets the most votes from the remaining two wins the seat.
Safe Seat
A seat which the incumbent has a considerable majority over the closest rival and which is largely immune from swings in voting choices. The same political party retains the seat from election to election.
Marginal Seat
A seat held by the incumbent with a small majority. They are important as they are where the outcomes of elections are decided.
Minority Government
A government that enters office but which does not have a majority of seats in the legislature.
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.
Results of the Brexit referendum:
52% leave
72% turnout
Results of the Scottish Independence referendum:
55% no
84% turnout
Results of the AV referendum:
68% no
42% turnout
Results of the North East Assembly referendum (2004):
78% no
48% turnout
What are the main reasons for holding a referendum?
- public pressure
- resolve controversial issues
- a result of a deal between political parties
- legitimising a government initiative
3 arguments for the use of referendums:
- encourage participation and education of electorate
- they provide a clear answer to a political question
- enhance liberal democracy
3 arguments against the use of referendums:
- turnout is often low which undermines their legitimacy
- close results can be more divisive than solving the issue
- campaigns surrounding them can be misleading which undermines their legitimacy
What are citizen’s juries?
A panel of non-specialists, often chosen randomly, used to deliberate on and express views about issues of public policy.
What is the advantage of citizen’s juries?
They operate through deliberation and debate rather than simply voting - may widen people’s knowledge.
Example of a citizens assembly in Ireland?
Used a Citizens Assembly to change the law on abortion in 2018
What are the purposes of elections?
- holding the elected representatives to account
- choosing an elected representative and government
- legitimising political power
- limiting the power of elected representatives
- development of political policy
- selection of political elite
Roughly how many constituents does one MP represent?
70,000 people
How many votes do you get in FPTP?
One
What is the winner’s bonus?
The effect of FPTP is that the winning party is over-rewarded.
Example of winners bonus in 2024 election:
Labour won 33% of vote but won 66% of the seats
Example of winners bonus in 1997?
Labour won 43% vote but 63% vote
