Electoral systems analysis

• What electoral system is discussed in the study material?

  First Past the Post
• What is a key advantage of the First Past the Post system?

  It tends to produce majority governments for efficient legislation.
• Why is the First Past the Post system considered easy to use?

  It encourages people to vote for who will form the next government.
• What might be a consequence of using a more complicated voting system?

  It may turn people away from voting due to confusion.
• What percentage of voters supported replacing First Past the Post in the 2011 referendum?

  32%
• What percentage of voters opposed replacing First Past the Post in the 2011 referendum?

  68%
• What was the voter turnout in the 2011 referendum regarding First Past the Post?

  42%
• What does the low turnout in the 2011 referendum suggest about public interest in the electoral system?

  It may indicate that people don’t care about the electoral system used.
• Northern Ireland Assembly: Single Transferrable Vote

  • After conflicts in Northern Ireland for decades, the 1998 Good Friday Agreement ensured the unionist (group supporting the UK) and nationalist (group supporting the Republic of Ireland) voices would be heard in ’power-sharing’.
  • STV avoids single-party domination and almost guarantees a coalition.
  • STV is also already used in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Every election to the Northern Ireland Assembly has resulted in DUP-Sinn Fein coalitions, which has kept Northern Ireland politics more peaceful than before the Good Friday Agreement.
• What has been a significant trend in the UK regarding electoral systems in recent years?

  There has been a vast amount of electoral reform.
• How has proportional representation affected smaller parties in the UK?

  It has allowed smaller parties to challenge larger parties for power.
• Which electoral system allowed Plaid Cymru to hold a coalition with Labour from 2007 to 2011?

  The Additional Member System used in the Welsh Assembly.
• What significant achievement did UKIP accomplish in the London Assembly in 2016?

  UKIP won its first seats through the list system.
• What is a likely outcome of using proportional representation in elections?

  It is more likely to generate coalitions and minority governments.
• What has been a common occurrence in the Scottish and Welsh governments due to proportional representation?

  They have seen coalitions throughout their history.
• What was a notable result of the 2022 Northern Irish Assembly elections?

  The seats closely matched the share of the vote.
• How does proportional representation impact gender balance in politics?

  It may increase the chances of women and BAME candidates winning office.
• What has been the trend in voter turnout in the UK since 1997?

  Turnout has shrunk, although it has recovered in recent years.
• What is the typical voter turnout for Welsh Assembly elections?

  It never reaches above 50%.
• What is the typical voter turnout for Scottish Parliament elections?

  It never reaches above 60%.
• What is the typical voter turnout for general elections in the UK?

  It is usually around 70%.