electoral system analysis

• What electoral system is used for UK general elections?

  First Past the Post (FPTP)
• Why is FPTP used for UK general elections?

  It is simple and often produces strong government
• Which parties benefit most from FPTP?

  Conservatives and Labour
• What does the AV referendum in 2011 indicate about FPTP?

  There is limited popular support for change
• What electoral system is used in Northern Ireland Assembly elections?

  Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• Why is STV used in Northern Ireland?

  It ensures proportional representation of parties
• How does STV affect party dominance in Northern Ireland?

  It prevents one party from dominating
• What electoral system is used in Scotland, Wales, and London Assemblies?

  Additional Member System (AMS)
• Why is AMS considered more proportional than FPTP?

  It provides representative results without radical change
• What is the purpose of the Supplementary Vote (SV)?

  To elect Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners
• Why is SV considered simple?

  It allows only two candidates in the final round
• How do electoral systems impact government type?

  They influence coalition and single-party governments
• What type of government do proportional systems like STV and AMS often produce?

  Coalition governments
• What was the outcome of the AMS voting system in Scotland in 1999 and 2003?

  It led to a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition
• How do proportional systems encourage negotiations between parties?

  They require support from other parties for legislation
• What is a characteristic of AMS regarding voter choice?

  Voters have two votes
• How does STV enhance voter choice?

  It allows preferential voting for multiple candidates
• How do proportional electoral systems affect smaller parties?

  They better represent smaller parties
• What is a drawback of FPTP regarding party success?

  Parties are less successful if votes are thinly spread
• What type of government does FPTP typically produce?

  Single-party government
• What is a consequence of FPTP's "winner takes all" approach?

  It can lead to elective dictatorship
• What was the significance of the 1997 Labour landslide victory?

  It allowed constitutional reforms without gridlocks
• What challenges did Theresa May face during her minority government?

  Legislative challenges on EU issues
• How does AMS reduce tactical voting?

  It allows voting for preferred parties in regional seats
• What is a characteristic of STV regarding wasted votes?

  It ensures no wasted votes through ranking
• What is a drawback of STV in terms of government stability?

  It can lead to unstable governments
• What is a challenge voters face with STV's voting system?

  It can be extremely confusing
• How does SV limit the candidate pool?

  Only majority parties usually reach the final round
• What are the impacts of different electoral systems on government and representation?

  • Coalition vs. single-party governments
  • Voter choice and representation
  • Influence on party success
  • Stability of government
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of FPTP, STV, AMS, and SV?

  FPTP:

  • Strengths: Simplicity, strong government
  • Weaknesses: Limited representation, tactical voting

  
  

  STV:

  • Strengths: Proportional representation, no wasted votes
  • Weaknesses: Complexity, potential instability

  
  

  AMS:

  • Strengths: Balanced representation, reduces tactical voting
  • Weaknesses: Complexity in understanding

  
  

  SV:

  • Strengths: Simplicity, clear mandate
  • Weaknesses: Limited candidate choice