Electoral outcomes

• Functions and importance of elections

  • Elections choose representatives.
  • Most important form of political participation.
  • Can be used to hold government and representatives to account.
  • Educative function.
  • Provides the winning party with an electoral mandate.
• Positive aspects of UK elections

  • Independent Electoral Commission ensures there is little corruption.
  • Constituency system creates clear representation.
  • Elections usually produce a clear and decisive result.
  • Elections in devolved nations are proportional.
  • There is freedom of information and freedom of media.
• Negative aspects of UK elections

  • FPTP is unfair and unrepresentative; many votes are wasted.
  • Difficult for small parties to gain a foothold.
  • UK general elections often produce governments that are not supported by a majority of the electorate.