different electoral systems

• What is one essential function of electoral systems in a democracy?

  Representation of citizens' interests
• How do elections contribute to political participation?

  Voting is a primary form of involvement
• What role do elections play in government accountability?

  They require justification of past actions
• Why is choice important in a democratic system?

  It ensures genuine options for voters
• How do campaigns contribute to political education?

  They inform the public on key issues
• What does winning a mandate allow parties to do?

  Implement their political programmes
• How do regular elections affect public confidence?

  They maintain confidence in the political system
• What electoral system is used in UK General Elections?

  First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)
• What is the definition of First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)?

  A plurality system for single-member constituencies
• What is a key feature of FPTP?

  One vote per voter for a candidate
• What is a significant advantage of FPTP?

  It is easy to understand and count
• What is a disadvantage of FPTP?

  Disproportionate outcomes in seat share
• What are safe seats in FPTP?

  Areas with predictable electoral outcomes
• What are marginal seats?

  Highly competitive areas in elections
• What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?

  A hybrid system combining FPTP and party lists
• How does AMS work?

  Voters cast two votes: local and party list
• What is a key advantage of AMS?

  It is more proportional than FPTP
• What is a disadvantage of AMS?

  Creates two classes of representatives
• What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?

  A proportional system using ranked preferences
• How does STV work?

  Voters rank candidates and transfer votes
• What is a key advantage of STV?

  Encourages preference voting across parties
• What is a disadvantage of STV?

  Counting process is time-consuming
• What is the Supplementary Vote (SV)?

  A majoritarian system with first and second preferences
• How does SV work?

  Redistributes second preferences if no majority
• What is a key advantage of SV?

  Produces a majority winner
• What is a disadvantage of SV?

  Winning candidate may not be first choice
• What is a constituency?

  A defined geographic area for representation
• What is a closed party list?

  Voters choose a party with pre-decided ranking
• What is an electoral quota?

  The vote threshold in STV for election
• What is proportional representation (PR)?

  Seats awarded in proportion to votes received
• What is a hybrid system?

  A mix of different electoral systems
• What is a majority system?

  Requires more than 50% to win
• What is a plurality system?

  Candidate wins by having more votes than others
• What is the definition of First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)?

  A plurality-based system in UK elections
• What is the Additional Member System (AMS)?

  A hybrid of FPTP and proportional representation
• What is the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?

  A proportional system using ranked preferences
• What is the Supplementary Vote (SV)?

  A majoritarian system with two preference votes
• What are the functions of electoral systems in a democracy?

  • Representation of citizens' interests
  • Political participation through voting
  • Accountability of governments and politicians
  • Providing genuine choice of candidates
  • Political education through campaigns
  • Mandate for implementing political programmes
  • Legitimacy through regular elections
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)?

  Advantages:

  • Easy to understand and quick to count
  • Strong MP-constituency link
  • Part of UK political culture
  • Prevents extremist parties from gaining power
  • Delivers strong, stable governments

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Disproportionate outcomes
  • Disadvantages smaller parties
  • Safe seats reduce competitiveness
  • Can produce minority or hung parliaments
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of Additional Member System (AMS)?

  Advantages:

  • More proportional than FPTP
  • Maintains local representation
  • Greater voter choice
  • Helps smaller parties gain representation

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Creates two classes of representatives
  • More complex voting process
  • Possibility of extremist candidates being elected