PNL UNIT 2: Classifying Electoral Systems

• What are electoral systems?

• What are the two classifications of them?

• Electoral systems are systems that determine how votes are transferred into seats in parliament.

• The two classifications are majoritarian and proportional.

• Describe the meaning of majoritarian electoral system

• Who it benefits

• Two examples

• It means that the one candidate / party with the most votes in their electorate wins.

• This system benefits large parties and encourages single-member governments.

• First Past the Post and Preferential voting

• Describe the meaning of proportional electoral system

• Who it benefits

• An example

• An electoral system that directly translates votes into seats — seats are allocated in proportion to votes each member / party receives.

• major parties still have an upper hand but it benefits smaller parties and can lead to coaltition government.

• Proportional representation in the Australian Senate

List and describe the four criteria for a fair electoral system.

• Diverse representation

  • reflects political, social and demographic diversity in elected body

• Effective and stable government

  • capable of formation of government and decisive governance

• Accountable representation

  • ensures representatives are answerable to their constituents

• Political rights and representation

  • upholds the right to vote and stand for election; ensures fairness

state which electoral system first past the post is and describe it.

• majoritarian system

• voters pick on candidate on ballot

• candidate with most votes wins

• minimal representation for minor parties

• leads to single-member government

state which electoral system preferential voting is and describe it.

• majoritarian

• used in house of reps

• voters rank candidates in order of preference

• candidates must achieve absolute majority to win

• some representation for minor parties

• often leads to single member government

state which electoral system proportional representation is and describe it.

• proportional

• australian senate

• party seats won reflects the votes they received

• minor parties have a greater chance at gaining representation

• often results in coalition governments

There are 4 comparison points to discuss when comparing electoral systems. List and use them to compare majoritarian and proportional systems.

Stable Governance

• Majoritarian systems (e.g. FPTP): often create single-party governments, leading to more stability.

• Proportional systems: often require coalition governments, which can be less stable.

Diverse Representation

• Majoritarian systems: favor larger parties, so minority views are often underrepresented.

• Proportional systems: more inclusive of small parties, offering broader representation.

Accountability

• Majoritarian systems: stronger local accountability due to single-member electorates.

• Proportional systems: accountability varies; can be less clear depending on design.

Political Equity

• Majoritarian systems: can distort vote-to-seat ratios, often overrepresenting the winning party.

• Proportional systems: aim to match seats with votes, promoting fairness and equity.