key terms

• FPTP - a plurality system, where the person with the most votes is elected
• AMS - a hybrid electoral system where the voter makes two choices. first choice is selected using FPTP and then a second choice is apportioned to a party list
• STV - a proportional system where voters rank their candidates in preferance order. to obtain a seat, a candidate must obtain a quota and those with the least votes are eliminated and their votes transferred
• SV - a majoritarian system where the voter makes two choices. if one candidate obtains over 50% on the first vote, then they win. if no candidate achieves this, all but the top 2 are eliminated and their second preferences taken in account
• AMS is used in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly
• STV is used in the Northern Ireland assembly and Scottish council
• SV is used in the London Mayoral elections
• safe seat - seat that has traditionally belonged to a party and is largely immune from swings in voting choice
• marginal seat - seat held by the incumbent with a small majority that is likely to swing from party to party
• minority government - government in office without an overwhelming majority of seats in Parliament e.g. Theresa May's 2017 government
• coalition government - government formed of more than one party e.g. the 2010-15 Conservative-Lib Dem coalition