Elections And Referendums

Election Definition

A process where citizens are given the opportunity to choose someone to represent them in government

Electoral System Definition

A system that converts votes to seats or determines the winner in an election

Electoral Manifesto Definition

A list produced by a political party in the run up to an election that lets voters know what policies the party will implement if it gets into power

Electoral Mandate Types

• Mandate of the manifesto

• Doctor’s mandate

Mandate Of The Manifesto

Definiton

The democractic authority given by an election to the winning party to implement its manifesto promises

Doctor’s Mandate Definition

The democratic authority to deal with whatever emergencies arise, to pass legislation which is not on the manifesto to deal with the changing times

Functions of Elections

• Select representatives

• Choose governments

• Uphold legitimacy

• Government accountability

• Uphold democracy

• Influence over policy

Functions of Election Systems

• Proportionality and a fair result

• Vote value

• Promoting participation and turnout

• Strong and accountable government

• Local links

• Power of the party

• Party choice and representation

• Comprehensability and transparency

Proportionality and a Fair Result Definition

The proportion of seats won should correspond to the overall percentage of the vote

Vote Value Definition

All votes are equally important in determining the final outcome of an election, none are wasted and no voter should feel that their vote is pointless

Promoting Participation and Turnout Definition

Electoral systems should incentivise high levels or turnout and participation, mostly by making voters feel that their vote counts

Strong and Accountable Government Definition

Voters should feel that the government is able to deliver on their promises as well as that they can directly punish or reward a PM and their party

Local Links Definition

MPs represent a specific region or area, enabling voters to bring grievances and concerns directly to their elected representative

Power of the Party Definition

Many voters might want an electoral system that allows them to choose between different candidates from the same party, preventing too much power being given centrally

Party Choice and Representation Definition

The electoral system should encourage and enable a broad range of parties to stand in elections

Comprehensability and Transparency Definition

The system is easy for the public to understand and produces clear results

Proportional Electoral System Definition

Calculates the number of MPs or elected representatives by the actual number of votes each party recieves

Majoritarian Electoral System Definition

The candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency is elected - winner takes all

Make Votes Matter Goals

Replace First Past the Post with a proportional representation system

Make Votes Matter Backing

Many political figures and groups

Electoral Reform Society Goals

• use STV system

• to have more trust in the democratic system

Electoral Reform Society Backing

Small board of members