Evaluate the argument that the devolved assemblies and parliaments show that proportional
representation is an inadequate electoral system. (30 marks)
Within the Uk, it can be seen that devolved assemblies use different electoral systems to that of
Westminster (Wales and Scotland using AMS and NI using STV) and with this comes differing
successes and failures, in terms of speed of results, representation and smaller party
representation.Overall, PR is somewhat fit for purpose as an electoral system.
Firstly, the most important area in which the issues that come from PR can be seen is through
its inability to deliver clear, strong governments, as well as the slow rate of results when
compared to the FPTP system.The main devolved assembly that highlights this issue can be
seen to be Northern Ireland, with the irish assembly divided over key issues,such as Brexit and
underlying religious differences and therefore unable to form a government.This leaves NI
lacking a clear government structure and leadership, showing a huge inadequacy of the STV
system used.As well as this, AMS created divided governments within Wales and Scotland,
giving no clear mandate to legislate.These systems can also take much longer to count votes
and be much harder to understand, with the ‘droop quota, in NI and ranking candidates making
the process harder than the simple FPTP system.This can be seen as linking to smaller parties,
with the proportional systems giving more seats to these groups, taking power away from larger
parties and causing divided governments.However, on the other hand it can be seen that these
systems can produce strong governments, with the SNP managing to hold a majority in 2011,
as well as promoting compromise through coalitions.Overall, it can be seen that these factors
make this system inadequate, due to an inability to form a capable government undermining the
people's confidence, as well as a confusing system skewing the outcome.
representation is an inadequate electoral system. (30 marks)
Within the Uk, it can be seen that devolved assemblies use different electoral systems to that of
Westminster (Wales and Scotland using AMS and NI using STV) and with this comes differing
successes and failures, in terms of speed of results, representation and smaller party
representation.Overall, PR is somewhat fit for purpose as an electoral system.
Firstly, the most important area in which the issues that come from PR can be seen is through
its inability to deliver clear, strong governments, as well as the slow rate of results when
compared to the FPTP system.The main devolved assembly that highlights this issue can be
seen to be Northern Ireland, with the irish assembly divided over key issues,such as Brexit and
underlying religious differences and therefore unable to form a government.This leaves NI
lacking a clear government structure and leadership, showing a huge inadequacy of the STV
system used.As well as this, AMS created divided governments within Wales and Scotland,
giving no clear mandate to legislate.These systems can also take much longer to count votes
and be much harder to understand, with the ‘droop quota, in NI and ranking candidates making
the process harder than the simple FPTP system.This can be seen as linking to smaller parties,
with the proportional systems giving more seats to these groups, taking power away from larger
parties and causing divided governments.However, on the other hand it can be seen that these
systems can produce strong governments, with the SNP managing to hold a majority in 2011,
as well as promoting compromise through coalitions.Overall, it can be seen that these factors
make this system inadequate, due to an inability to form a capable government undermining the
people's confidence, as well as a confusing system skewing the outcome.
