the election and party system

What characterizes the UK parliament? When did the English Parliament first meet?

England has the oldest parliament in the world. 1265, at the Palace of Westminster.

What does campaigning involve at a local and national level?

Local campaigns: engaging directly with the community (limited impact)

canvassingkænvəsɪŋ: The process of soliciting support or votes from constituents, often involving direct outreach and interaction with voters.

National campaigns: involve large-scale advertising, public appearances, debates (allocated elections broadcasts)

A ballot paper that has been marked incorrectly or in such a way that it cannot be counted in an election.

spoiled (d) ballot paper

When did political parties begin to form in Britain? Who are the descendants of those parties?

In the late 17th century – Whigs(Liberals) and Tories(Conservatives) emerged.

When was the third Party founded?

The Labour Party was founded after ww1. Labour replaced the Liberals as the main alternative to the Conservatives.

What has characterized British politics historically?

Stability, dominance by large parties

What are examples of UK nationalist parties?

SNP (Scotland), Plaid Cymru: Plied Coomry (Wales), DUP democratic unionist (Northern Ireland).

Who can vote in UK general elections?

18+

British/Irish/Commonwealth citizens

resident or living abroad registered to vote in last 15 years.

Who cannot vote in UK general elections?

The monarch, House of Lords members, convicted prisoners.

what is a constituency? How many are there? How many members of each party normally stand for election in each constituency?

A constituency is a geographical area in the UK that elects a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent its people in the House of Commons. 650

only one candidate from each political party stands for election.

So, for example:

• The Conservative Party selects one candidate.

• The Labour Party selects one candidate.

• The Liberal Democrats select one candidate

What is the name of the electoral system used in Britain and why that name?

‘First-Past-the-Post’ It’s a horse racing analogy – the first candidate to pass the finish line (get most votes) wins. An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat. The votes of losing candidates are disregarded – only the winner’s vote count matters.

Used in General Elections to elect Members of Parliament.

Cosa succede il giorno delle elezioni?

On polling day(held on Thursdays) polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm; voters mark an X on the ballot paper: scheda elettorale for one candidate.

to cast a vote/ballot

Ballot boxes are sealed and transported under strict security to local counting centres (not necessarily nationwide or one central place—each constituency has its own).

At the counting centres, votes are verified and counted by election officials, usually overnight.

Once the count is complete, the Returning Officer announces the result for that constituency.

close results→recounts

Arguments against FPTP? what are safe and marginal seats?

This system typically favors larger parties and can lead to a lack of proportional representation (seats are awarded based on the total percentage of votes a party gets:disparities between the number of votes received and the elected MPs so it benefits parties with concentrated support).

Wasted votes, unfair representation, tactical voting(in most constituencies most people vote against the winning candidate), under representation of minorities(‘safest’ looking candidate is the one most likely to be offered the chance to stand for election).

• Safe Seats: is a constituency where the same party wins consistently by a large margin, making it very unlikely for another party to take it.

• Marginal Seats: are constituencies where the result is very close, making them competitive and potentially changeable in elections.

Arguments for FPTP? What do Brits think about it?

Simple, quick, usually creates strong single-party governments, maintains MP-constituent link.

In a referendum in 2011, British voters reaffirmed their commitment to this historic electoral system (first-past-the-post)

What is a hung parliament?

No party has more than 50% of seats(a party needs 326 seats for an overall majority);

To create a majority coalitions are formed(two or more parties working together) or an agreement with a smaller party is made to support them.

Who governs during this time?

While parties are negotiating, the previous Prime Minister stays temporarily in power (caretaker government) until a new government is officially formed.

What if no deal is made?

• The party with the most seats might try to govern alone (this is called a minority government).

• But if they can’t win important votes in Parliament, they can be forced to step down.

• Then, the opposition party may try to form a government instead.

Why is a minority government hard?

Because they don’t have enough votes to easily pass laws, which can cause instability and lead to another election.

What is a snap election? Why it happens?

An early election called before the usual 5-year period ends. When a party has a very small majority in the House of Commons, or no majority at all, the interval can be much shorter

What is a BY-ELECTION?

A by-election takes place in a constituency whenever an MP can no longer fulfill his or her duties(death,resignation) sometimes MPs are encouraged to step down resulting in a need for a new election to fill the vacancy.

Direct resignation isn’t allowed so MPs apply for a traditional title: symbolic unpaid job under the Crown(P must be independent from m)

What happens during dissolution of parliament?

Parliament ends, campaigns begin(political parties and candidates have 38 days to appeal to voters), but the government continues with ministers in place.

What does a person need to do to stand as a candidate? Do they have to represent a party?

he must deposit £500 with the Returning Officer (the person responsible for the conduct of the election in each constituency), refunded if the candidate gains 5% or more of the vote. A candidate can stand as an independent or represent a political party.

What are the key trends in UK elections from 1945 to the present?

• Main Contest: Labour vs. Conservatives.

  • Labour: North, inner cities, Scotland, Wales.

  • Conservatives: South, suburbs, rural areas.

• Performance: Conservatives won 8/14 elections (1945–1992); Labour landslide in 1997, also won 2001 & 2005.

• 2010: Conservatives led, formed coalition with Lib Dems

• Trends: Decline in class-based voting, rise of smaller parties, floating voters.

Which are the main concerns and new reforms?

• Low turnout, especially among youth.

• Voting Reforms:

  • Postal voting rose to 20% by 2010.

  • Trials of internet/phone voting.

• Trust Issues:

  • Simplicity of pencil-paper voting seen as strength.

  • Rise in postal voting fraud; trust declined—only 22% trusted system “a lot” in 2005.