Electoral Systems Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the Gallagher Index used for?
To measure proportionality in election results
The Gallagher Index evaluates how closely the number of votes received by parties corresponds to the number of seats they win.
What was the outcome of the 2024 General Election in terms of Labour’s performance?
Labour won 411 seats (63% of all seats) with 33.7% of the vote
This represents a significant increase in seats from 2019, where they won only 202 seats with 32.1% of the vote.
How did the Liberal Democrats perform in the 2024 General Election?
They won a record 72 seats (11% of seats) with 12.2% of the vote
In 2019, they received a similar vote share (11.6%) but only secured 11 seats.
What significant change occurred in the share of votes for minor parties between 2019 and 2024?
Minor parties increased their vote share from 12.7% in 2019 to 30.4% in 2024
Despite this increase, they remained underrepresented in terms of seats due to the FPTP system.
What is a key reason for the electoral success of Labour and the Liberal Democrats in 2024?
Effective targeting of marginal seats and significant tactical voting
Many voters supported the candidate most likely to win against the Conservatives.
What percentage of voters intended to vote tactically in the 2024 election according to MakeVotesMatter?
1/5 voters
This indicates a strategic approach among voters influenced by the FPTP system.
True or False: The FPTP electoral system supports a true multi-party system.
False
The FPTP system tends to uphold a two-party system, as evidenced by Labour and the Conservatives receiving 81.8% of seats with only 57.4% of the vote.
What was the impact of the FPTP system on MP representation in the 2024 election?
58% of voters ended up with an MP they didn’t vote for
This highlights the disconnect between voter preferences and elected representatives.
What is the winners’ bonus in the context of the 2024 election results?
A disproportionate amount of seats awarded to the largest party
Labour won 63% of the seats with just 33.7% of the vote.
Fill in the blank: The Labour Party won _____ seats in the 2024 General Election.
411
What significant electoral reform was introduced in Wales in 2024?
The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024
This act changes the voting system to a Closed Party List System using the D’Hondt Formula.
What does the Closed Party List System in Wales entail?
Votes are translated into seats based on party lists
This system will remove the ability of voters to select individual candidates.
How does the FPTP system allow voters to hold MPs accountable?
By enabling the removal of poorly performing MPs
For example, Lizz Truss was ousted with a significant swing against her.
What was a notable outcome for independent MPs in the 2024 election?
Five pro-Palestine independent MPs were elected
This reflects the importance of specific issues for constituencies with significant Muslim populations.
What does FPTP fail to represent regarding minor parties?
It greatly underrepresents parties lacking geographically concentrated support
Reform UK received 14.3% of the vote but only 5 seats.
What was the voter turnout in Manchester Rusholme during the 2024 election?
40%
Labour won the seat with 51.9% of the vote.
What is one advantage of the FPTP system as demonstrated in the 2024 election?
Speed and simplicity in announcing results
The first result was announced at 23:15 the same day, with Starmer becoming Prime Minister by the next afternoon.
What was the turnout in Central Devon during the 2024 election?
71.2%
The Conservative candidate won by just 61 votes.
