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Electoral Systems
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Detailed, thorough notes on Electoral Systems based on the suggested Edexcel A-Level textbook
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Electoral SystemsDefinitions:
First past the post (FPTP): an electoral system, sometimes known as a plurality system, where the
candidate with the largest number of votes is elected. Victory is achieved by having at least one more
vote that other contenders
Coalition government: a government formed of more than one political party, normally accompanied by
an agreement over policy options and offices of state
Marginal seats: those held by a small majority, where a small swing to an opposition candidate can
cause the seat to change hands. Although marginal seats comprise only a minority of seats at
Westminster, they are where general elections are commonly determined. parties focus their resources
heavily on these seats, spending large amounts of money on campaigning and enlisting the support of
high profile figures to send support to their campaigns
Safe seats: constituencies in which the sitting MP has a secure majority over the nearest rival, and is
largely immune from swings in voting choice. The same political party holds these seats in every election.
(The Electoral Reform Society suggests around 56% are safe seats)
Additional member system (AMS): a hybrid electoral system with two elements. The voter makes two
choices; first, they select a representative on a FPTP system, then a second vote is appointed to a party
list for a second or additional representative
Single transferable vote (STV): an electoral system that allows voters to rank their preferences in
numerical order. In order to win a seat, candidates must obtain a quota. After the votes are cast, those
candidates with the least votes are eliminated and their votes are transferred. Those candidates with
excess votes above the quota also have their votes transferred
Supplementary vote (SV): a majoritarian electoral system that gives the voter two choices. If one
candidate obtains more than 50% on the first vote, then he or she is elected. If no candidate obtains this
level, the top two candidate remain; the supplementary choices are redistributed to produce a single
winner.
Minority government: a government that takes office but does not have a majority of seats in the
legislature. This makes passing legislation very difficult. (Harold Wilson, March 1974, took office as
leader of a minority government)
Different electoral systems
An electoral system performs a vital function in democracy as votes casted in elections turn to seats; the number
of seats in a party reflects the strength in a representative body.
Elections have numerous functions:
Representative - the fundamental purpose of elections is the choose a representative to speak on behalf
of a community and to provide a link between them and those who take decisions on their behalf. MPs
have autonomy to speak and vote as they see fit in the interests of their constituency. They are entitled to
think independently in response to changing circumstances.
Choosing the government - at a general election voters are choosing a government and granting it
legitimacy. The leader of the part with the largest number of seats has the right to form a government.
Holding a government to account - every five years a government has to face the electorate at a general
election in order to renew its mandate. The voters have the right to reject an unpopular government or
individual MPs that are perceived to have failed. (The Recall of MPs Act 2015 has strengthened the power
of voters to remove MPs who have behaved poorly.)
, Participation - Voting in elections is the most obvious way ordinary people can take part in politics. Party
manifestos provide information on which voters can make a judgement, however, these may not be read
or trusted. (Information can be misleading, e.g. the 2001 Labour manifesto which promised not to
introduce top-up fees but increased fees)
Influence over policy - Voters have limited influence over policies, however, electoral defeats send a
message to parties.(Labour's significant defeat in 1983 led the party to drop unpopular policies and move
towards the centre ground). Elections also allow small parties to put their views across and enables them
to draw attention to the issues they stand for so that larger parties can adopt these policies. (The
increased public profile of the Greens in the 1990s caused other parties to begin to emphasise the
importance of countering climate change).
The most important criteria for a voting system would probably be:
a fair result that gives equal value to people's votes across the country
a choice of candidates
an effective link between the elected representative and the constituency
a strong government that can pass laws but can be held to account by the electorate
No system delivers all of these to the same degree, so it is a question of deciding which feature is the most
important.
First Past the Post is the voting system used for UK general elections and by-elections, and local council elections
in England and Wales. Voters cast a single vote by placing a cross next to the name of their preferred candidate; it
is a pluralist system (the person with the largest number of votes in a constituency - not necessarily a majority of
votes cast - is elected). The party with the largest number of seats had the right to form a government. General
elections happen every five years, on the first Thursday in May (stipulated by the 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments
Act). However, the act allows the prime minister to dissolve Parliament with the support of two-thirds of MPs and
if there is a vote of no confidence.
The average number of voters in a constituency is 70,000 but there is variation. The size is regulated by an
independent Boundary Commission (In 2005, Scottish constituencies were reduced from 72 to 59).
Advantages of FPTP Disadvantages of FPTP
Speed and simplicity - voters make a single cross MPs and governments can be elected on less than
and choose one candidate, results are known early 50% of the vote (2005; Tony Blair was re-elected
in the morning after polling day and the new on 35.2% of the vote, which weakens the mandate)
government is formed rapidly Lack of proportionality - does not translate the
Strong and stable government - promotes a two- number of votes into seats for each party, favours
party system, gives a clear choice, clear majority to parties whose vote is concentrated (UKIP won 3.9
one party which then has the mandate to carry out million votes in 2015 but only 1 seat)
its programme Winner's bonus - the winning party enjoys a share
Exclusion of extremists - extreme parties - which of seats in excess of the share of the votes it
may feed on racism and other extremist views - receives (e.g. Margret Thatcher won a majority of
are less likely to gain foothold 144 in 1983 on 42% of the vote)
A strong link between MPs and their Limited voter choice - each party puts forward one
constituencies - constituencies are of relatively candidate so there is no choice between
small sizes, MPs are responsible for representing individuals representing different shades of
those who live in them and make themselves opinion within the party, safe seats means that
available to those seeking help and advice many voters have little hope and this can depress
voter turnout, people may resort to tactical voting
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