Electoral Systems Flashcards
An electoral system sometimes know as a plurality system, where the candidate with the largest number of votes is elected. Victory is achieved by having at least one or more gore than other contenders.
FPTP
Elections have what functions
Representation Choosing a government Holding a government to account Participation Influence over policy
Important criteria for a voting system
Fair result that gives, as far as possible, equal value to people’s votes across the country
A choice of candidates
An effective link between the elected representative and the constituency
A strong government that can pass laws but can be held to account by electorate.
Advantages of FPTP
Speed and simplicity
Strong and stable government
Exclusion or extremists
A strong link between MP’s and their constituencies.
Disadvantages of FPTP
MP’s and governments can be elected on less than 50% of the vote.
FPTP on a national level regularly produces governments elected on a minority vote
Lack of proportionality
The winners bonus of excess seats in Parliament
Limited voter choice
Votes are of unequal value (small con votes count for more than in a larger constituency)
Name 4 main electoral systems in UK
First Past The Post
Additional members system
Single Transferable Vote
Supplementary vote
What is AMS a hybrid of
FPTP
And
Proportional representation
What type of voting is STV and SV.
STV = proportional representation SV = majoritarian
Where is AMS used.
Scottish Parliament
Welsh assembly
Greater London Assembly
Where is STV used
The Northern Island Assembly, European Parliament elections in Northern Ireland, Scottish Council elections
Where is SV used
Elections for the London Mayor and other elected mayors
Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales
In what circumstances are referendums held for
Legitimising a major government jnitiative
Getting a government out of a difficult situation
A result of a deal between political parties
In response to pressure to hold a referendum
Advantages of referendums
Involve people directly in decision making on important issues
Are a check on ‘elective dictatorship’ and the idea that executive dominance of HOC gives it undue power over which the electorate has control only once every 5years.
By demonstrating clear public support for change
Raise voter political awareness
Conduct of referendums has been subject to independent supervision by Electoral commission since 2000 reducing chances of skewed results
Negatives of referendums
Challenge parliamentary sovereignty
If arguments are not explained clearly to the public then participation may be low.
Governments choose whether to call or not
Low turnout is a norm for referendums. Turnout for welsh devolution 1997 was barely above 50%
The outcomes of referendums can be influenced by factors having nothing to do with the subject being put before the electorate. E.g 2011 AMS referendum was effected by the unpopularity of the Lib Dem’s.
