Electoral Systems

representation, choosing government, participation, influence over policy, accountability, citizen education, legitimacy

functions of elections

in 2015 what actual percentage of the public vote got the conservatives what percent of seats *(against FPTP)*

36\.9% = 50%

which group of political theorists prioritise the role of people within elections

democratic theorists

which group of people prioritise authority and stability for political systems

elite theorists

is FPTP majoritarian or plurality

plurality

what kind of system does FPTP create

two party system

in 2010, what was the combined support for labour and conservatives (issue in two-party system were barely a majority of the population even support the two parties who will win)

65%

in 1997, how much of a winners bonus did Labour get compared to the actual increase in voters *(potential issue of FPTP but also helps majority)*

22% versus 8.8%

what could the winners bonus arguably lead to

elective dictatorship

major benefit of FPTP

single-party government

where is the supplementary vote used

mayoral elections and police and crime commissioner

benefits of supplementary vote (3)

majoritarian, better for smaller parties, simple

what area had the results of its mayor elections changed as a result of SV *(would have been tory if FPTP was used)*

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

why would SV be an especially good replacement for FPTP

simple change

what system involves ranking candidates, a quota, redistribution of votes and elects multiple MPs

single transferrable vote

what’s an advantage regarding quality of MPs as a result of Single Transferrable Vote

many from the same party run, elected on individual qualities

name for the quota used in STV (very complicated system)

droop quota

advantage of STV in terms of representation of the public

proportional

who does STV benefit

smaller parties

what example of areas would be complicated by larger constituencies (a feature of STV)

Scottish Highlands

disadvantages of STV

confusing, extremist parties, multiple MPs

where is STV used

northern ireland, republic of ireland, scottish local gov elections

where’s the additional members system used

scottish parliament, welsh parliament, london assembly

how many MPs does AMS elect per constituency

two

people can choose an MP based on individual qualities without sacrificing party preferences

AMS

issue with AMS regarding status of MPs

creates two classes of MPs

what system was in use in european parliamentary elections

regional list

what’s the most proportional system

regional list

what formula do the regional lists use

d’hondt formula

does the regional list system help minor parties and diversify representation

yes

who was elected to the european parliament in 2019 as a result of regional lists

Brexit party

are regional lists likely to be used in the future, since brexit

no

counter to effective representation (FPTP)

limited choice

counter to stable gov (FPTP)

divisive politics

responsible gov with a mandate counter (FPTP)

plurality not majority

In 2010, what proportion of MPs did not achieve a majority in their constituency

two thirds