General elections

• Overview

  • General elections let people vote for MPs in the 650 constituencies.
  • The UK uses a first-past-the-post (FPTP) system:
  • Candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
  • A party needs 326 seats for a majority government.
• Frequency of Elections

  1. Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011, general elections happen every five years (first Thursday in May).
  2. If there is a vote of no confidence, an election may be called earlier.
  3. House of Commons can vote (two-thirds majority) to hold an early election.
• Who Can and Cannot Vote

  ✔ Can vote:

  • 18+ years old (on election day).
  • UK or Commonwealth citizen.
  • Homeless people who register with a local connection form.
• ❌ Cannot vote:

  • House of Lords members.
  • Foreign nationals (non-UK citizens).
  • Convicted prisoners.
  • Election fraud convicts (barred for five years).
  • MPs themselves.
• Debates on Extending the Vote to 16- & 17-Year-Olds

  Arguments in favour:

  ✔ Should have a say in their future (governments serve for five years).

  ✔ Can already make important decisions (e.g., medical treatment).

  ✔ More mature and educated than past generations.

  
  

  Arguments against:

  ❌ May not be well-informed or mature enough.

  ❌ Could be influenced by parents or peers.

  ❌ Legally, adulthood is at 18.
• Explain two reasons why some people may be reluctant to allow people aged 16 to vote in general elections. (4 marks)

  • One reason argued is that 16-year-olds are too immature to vote. They could easily be influenced by peers or family members.
  • Another reason argued is that 16-year-olds don't know enough about politics to make an informed decision. They may be unlikely to research the different parts of manifestos to find out what each party is promising.