1.3.1 Different electoral systems

    Cards (77)

    • In Proportional Representation (PR), seats are allocated based on the votes each party receives nationally
    • In FPTP, voters cast a single vote for a candidate
    • A disadvantage of PR is that it can lead to unstable coalition
    • In the PR system, voters cast a vote for a party
    • The PR system reduces wasted votes as most votes contribute to seat allocation.
    • What is the key characteristic of the First Past the Post (FPTP) system in voting?
      Single vote for a candidate
    • The FPTP system can result in wasted votes because votes for losing candidates have no impact on the outcome
    • The PR system aims to ensure that the composition of the legislature matches the preferences of the electorate
    • The PR system always results in majority governments.
      False
    • The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is known for producing strong majority governments.

      True
    • The choice of electoral system can influence the likelihood of minority governments.

      True
    • In PR, seats are distributed among parties in proportion to their share of the total votes.

      True
    • What does the Proportional Representation (PR) system aim to ensure?
      Fair representation of voters
    • What is one advantage of the PR system regarding representation?
      Fair representation of parties
    • Match the element of an electoral system with its description:
      Voter Registration ↔️ Ensures eligible citizens can vote
      Ballot Design ↔️ Layout of the voting paper
      Vote Counting ↔️ Process of tallying votes accurately
      Seat Allocation ↔️ Distributing seats based on votes
    • The choice of electoral system can significantly impact the political landscape
    • What is one disadvantage of the FPTP system regarding representation?
      Disproportional representation
    • Match the electoral system with its advantage:
      FPTP ↔️ Produces stable governments
      PR ↔️ Ensures fair representation
    • In the PR system, most votes contribute to seat allocation
    • FPTP tends to produce strong single-party majority
    • FPTP often results in single-party majority governments, which provide political stability
    • Match the term with its definition:
      Electoral systems ↔️ Rules to translate votes into seats
      Vote allocation ↔️ Distributing votes to determine winners
    • The Additional Member System (AMS) combines FPTP and PR principles.

      True
    • In PR, what do voters cast their vote for?
      A party
    • What is the Proportional Representation (PR) system based on?
      Percentage of votes
    • What type of governments does the PR system tend to produce?
      Coalition governments
    • What is a potential drawback of the PR system compared to simpler systems like FPTP?
      Complexity
    • What is an advantage of FPTP in terms of the voting process?
      Simplicity
    • What is a key advantage of PR in terms of representation?
      Fair representation
    • What is a key weakness of the First Past the Post (FPTP) system in terms of representation?
      Disproportional representation
    • Match the strength of FPTP with its description:
      Simple to Understand ↔️ Straightforward voting process
      Stable Governments ↔️ Results in single-party majority
    • In PR systems, most votes contribute to the allocation of seats
    • The Single Transferable Vote (STV) system is used in Ireland and Malta
    • The Additional Member System (AMS) aims to balance local representation with national proportionality
    • PR systems often lead to coalition governments, which can be less stable than single-party majorities.

      True
    • PR systems can lead to government instability due to coalitions.

      True
    • PR systems may lead to coalition governments that are less stable than single-party majority governments.

      True
    • FPTP is simple to understand and tends to produce strong majority governments
    • In FPTP, voters cast a single vote for a candidate
    • In PR, seats are distributed in proportion to their share of the total votes