Electoral systems- general knowledge

What is an electoral system?

A method used to translate votes into seats in a legislature.

What electoral system is used for UK general elections?

First Past the Post (FPTP).

How does FPTP work?

Voters choose one candidate; the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins (plurality system).

What are the advantages of FPTP?

Simple, quick to count, usually produces clear majorities, strong MP-constituency link, stable government.

What are the disadvantages of FPTP?

Disproportional results, wasted votes, safe seats, encourages tactical voting, underrepresents smaller parties.

What is proportional representation (PR)?

An electoral system where seats are allocated in proportion to votes received.

What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?

A hybrid system: voters get two votes – one for a constituency MP (FPTP), one for a party list (PR); used in Scotland and Wales.

What are the advantages of AMS?

More proportional than FPTP, retains MP link, fairer to smaller parties, more voter choice.

What are the disadvantages of AMS?

Can be confusing, creates two types of representative, coalition governments more likely.

What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?

A proportional system where voters rank candidates in order of preference; used in Northern Ireland.

What are the advantages of STV?

Highly proportional, more voter choice, fewer wasted votes, encourages consensus politics.

What are the disadvantages of STV?

Complex to count, can weaken MP-constituency link, coalition governments likely.

What is the Supplementary Vote (SV)?

A majoritarian system where voters choose a first and second preference; used in London mayoral elections.

What are the advantages of SV?

Ensures broad support for winner, relatively simple, encourages campaigning to wider audience.

What are the disadvantages of SV?

Not proportional, many votes can still be wasted, tactical voting possible.

How do electoral systems affect party representation?

FPTP favours large parties, PR helps smaller parties, hybrid systems provide balance.

How do electoral systems affect government formation?

FPTP often produces single-party majorities; PR and hybrid systems often lead to coalitions or minority governments.

How do electoral systems affect voter choice?

PR and hybrid systems offer more choice; FPTP limits choice and encourages tactical voting.

What is a safe seat?

A constituency where one party regularly wins by a large margin.

What is a marginal seat?

A seat where the winning party has a small majority – often targeted during elections.

What are wasted votes?

Votes that do not help elect a candidate – common under FPTP.

What is tactical voting?

When a voter chooses a candidate not their first choice to prevent another from winning – common under FPTP.

What are the arguments for electoral reform in the UK?

FPTP is unfair, produces disproportional results, too many wasted votes, poor representation of smaller parties.

What are the arguments against electoral reform?

FPTP delivers strong governments, is simple, and avoids excessive power to smaller parties.

What was the 2011 AV referendum?

A national vote on replacing FPTP with the Alternative Vote (AV); 68% voted to keep FPTP.

What is a coalition government?

A government formed by two or more parties, common in proportional systems.

How does the electoral system impact democracy?

It affects how fairly votes are translated into seats, representation quality, and government accountability.

Which electoral system is used in Northern Ireland Assembly elections?

Single Transferable Vote (STV).

Which system is used in Scottish Parliament elections?

Additional Member System (AMS).

Which system is used for the London Mayoral election?

Supplementary Vote (SV).

What was the result of the 2010 general election under FPTP?

No party won a majority; coalition formed between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Why does FPTP tend to produce single-party governments?

It rewards parties with concentrated support and punishes those with spread-out votes.

Why do some argue PR is more democratic?

It reflects the proportion of votes more accurately, leading to fairer representation.

What is the role of constituency representation in electoral systems?

It ensures MPs are accountable to local voters; stronger in FPTP, weaker in PR systems.