Electoral Systems
Referendums
A referendum is a vote on a particular issue, usually with a yes/no answer. It is an example of direct democracy within a representative system.
Examples:
2011 the UK had a referendum on whether to replace FPTP with AV - 67.9% said no but only 42.2% turnout.
2014 Scotland voted for their independence - 55.3% said no and it had a 84.6% turnout which can be argued was due to them letting 16-17 year olds vote.
2016 Brexit referendum - 51.9% said leave with a 72.2% turnout.
Referendums are usually held in response to government receiving a lot of pressure to hold one (UKIP on Brexit) or when legitimising a major constitutional change (Scottish Independence)
Should they be used in the future?
Yes:
No:
They have enhanced representation in the UK by allowing popular sovereignty to be directly expressed.
You know exactly what you are voting for.
They enhance liberal democracy by serving as a way to limit the power on government.
Parliamentary sovereignty is undermined.
People may get bored which would bring about low turnout. Minority get nothing.
Can be too complex, some issues cannot be resolved with just a yes or no.
Different Electoral Systems
Purpose of elections:
Legitimising power. In 2017 Theresa May took over from Cameron and was not voted in - therefore she was no legitimate.
Limiting the power of elected representatives. 2015 electoral law stops the abuse of power (every 5 years)
Choosing an elected representative and government. They then represent the people and vote on their issues.
Holds the current elected representative to account. You can judge them on their performance in office.
First Past the Post:
The current election format in the UK for government elections.
The party that has the most MPs voted in wins the election. In 2019 the tories won with 365 MPs.
% of votes is not proportional to the amount of seats in government - In 2015 Green Party got 1 million votes but only 1 seat.
Additional member system:
The current election format for the Welsh Assembly election and Scottish Parliament.
Each voter votes for 1 candidate (like FPTP) but they also vote for their favourite party - this aims to try and make government more proportional to what the people want.
Single Transferable vote:
The voter must rank the candidates in order of who they prefer. Used for Northern Ireland assembly.
To calculate the amount of votes needed we use the "droop quota" which is - Total valid poll divided by the number seats that need to filled plus one, and then that number gets one added on.
Supplementary Vote
The voter must rank the candidates as either 1st or 2nd.
If the candidate has 50% of the 1st selections, they win. If not it goes down to the top two and the 2nd place votes are looked at to see who wins.
Advantages:
Creates a strong government. (Single party)
Keeps extremist parties out.
Simple to understand.
Disadvantages:
Unequal vote value.
Disproportionate results.
Lack of voter choice - creates a 2 party system.
Advantages:
Proportionate results
Creates a gov with broad popularity
Gives greater representation (split ticket voting).
Disadvantages:
Can either create a massive majority or no majority.
More complicated.
Can easily lead to a coalition government.
Advantages:
Diverse range of politicians.
Voters have more choice
Clear and proportionate representation.
Disadvantages:
Multi-member constituency. Less constituency link. Party in competition with each other,
More complicated and unlikely to make a strong government.
Donkey voting
Advantages:
Voters have more choice.
Quite a simple system
Ensures winning candidate has a clear majority.
Disadvantages:
Two party dominance.