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Functions and Features of Elections - Coggle Diagram
Functions and Features of Elections
Functions
principle way in which governments in the UK are formed - serve to transfer power from one government to the next.
create a link between elected politicians and their constituents - views are fully considered. Hold Gov publicly accountable and ultimately removable.
provide a mechanism where citizens give their consent to being governed - give Gov authority and right to hold power and make laws.
Participation
join political parties and campaign in various different way.
become more politically aware when choosing between parties, enhancing public democracy.
If Gov is weak they can be held to account as voters may vote for the opposition/other parties. e.g. BNP got 2 seats in 2009 European elections even though they are extremist.
Criticism
People do not vote rationally - people tend to vote for opposition parties are they are disenchanted by current Gov.
A vote for a party does not indicate complete agreement with their policies
No way of forcing a government to carry out its policies in manifesto - Labour went to war with Iraq whilst promising not too before.
Different policies may be needed in future years - voters may not agree e.g. WW1 and WW2
Single Party
Ruling party takes responsibility - no coalition voters can blame party in power e.g. 1997 Tory fault for economy
Strong United Gov - carry out mandate without arguing - 2005 Labour introduced new Anti-terrorism laws prominently.
Voters know what party forms Gov - people know exactly what is happening - e.g. Germany took a month of private discussions before stable Gov was formed.
Coalitions are weak - not capable of providing strong leadership e.g. weak Germany gov in 1930's led to rise of Hitler.
Multi Party
Strong Gov not always good - become too powerful, whilst coalition provides stable Gov e.g. Labour introducing controversial anti-terrorism laws.
FPTP produces conflict between parties.
Coalitions have more electoral support - changes will be agreed and form stable administrations.
Coalitions are more broadly based - more of a consensual middle of a Gov - Tony Blair's Labour only backed by 35.2% of electorate.