Topic 3: electoral systems key definitions

First past the post (FPTP)

An electoral system where the person with the highest number of votes is elected. Victory is achieved by having one more vote than other contenders- it is also called a plurality system.

Additional member system(AMS)

A hybrid electoral system that has two components or elements. The voter makes two choices. Firstly, the voter selects a representative on a simple plurality system, then a second vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or additional representative.

Single transferrable vote (STV)

A system that allows voters to rank their voting preferences in numerical order rather than simply having one voting choice. In order to obtain a seat, a candidate must obtain a quota. After the votes are cast, those with the fewest votes are eliminated and their votes transferred. Those candidates with excess votes above the quota also have their votes transferrred.

Supplementary vote (sv)

A majoritarian system where the voter makes two choices. If one candidate obtains over 50 percent on the first vote then the contest is complete. If no candidates attains this level, all but the top two candidates are removed. Then the supplementary choices are redistributed and whoever from the remaining two gets the most votes wins the seat.

Constituency

A geographical area used to determine which people each elected representative represents

Plurality

Refers to the result of an election where the winner only has to obtain more votes than any of their opponents. It does not mean the winner has an absolute majority.

Absolute majority

Refers to the result of a vote where the winner receives more votes than all the other candidates put together. In other words, the winner receives at least 50 percent of the total votes.

Safe seat

A seat in which the incumbent (the person who already holds the seat or position) has a considerable majority over their closest rival and is largely immune to swings in voting choice. The same political party retains the seat from election to election.

Marginal seat

Seat held by the incumbent with a small majority/ plurality of the vote.

Closed party list

A proportional electoral system where voters vote for a list of candidates provided by the party. Based on the proportion of votes a party receives it will be awarded a number of seats from across the large multi-member constituencies. The order of the candidates is determined by the party , with the higher preferences being the ones most likely to secure seats.

Jenkins commission

An independent investigation into the best form of alternative voting, commissioned in September 1997 and run by Roy Jenkins. It reported in September 1998, proposing the use of AV+ instead of FPTP. It’s proposals were not adopted.

Minority government

A government that enters office but does not have an absolute majority of the 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 offices of state.

Pluralist

Linked to the idea of pluralism representation, the idea of many groups competing for influence.

Alternative vote

A majoritarian system that uses preferential voting with the candidates with the fewest votes being eliminated until eventually one candidate secures an absolute majority.