The impact of the electoral system on the government (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Revision Notes

3.3.2 The impact of the electoral system on the government

Electoral systems play a crucial role in determining the nature and effectiveness of governments. Different systems, such as First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR) variants like the Additional Member System (AMS), lead to the formation of different types of governments, each with its own implications for governance, legislative efficiency, and political stability.

First Past the Post (FPTP) and Strong Majority Governments

System Overview:

• FPTP is a plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes in a single-member constituency wins the seat. It is predominantly used in UK general elections.

Impact on Government Formation:

Tendency to Produce Majority Governments:

FPTP often results in one party winning a majority of seats in the House of Commons, even if they do not achieve a majority of the popular vote. This is due to the 'winner-takes-all' nature of the system, where small margins of victory in individual constituencies can translate into significant seat advantages.

• Examples:

• The 2015 election also produced a Conservative majority government, even though the party secured only 36.9% of the vote.

Implications for Governance:

Legislative Efficiency:

A strong majority government formed under FPTP can pass legislation more quickly and with less opposition. With a majority of MPs, the government can effectively control the legislative agenda and push through its policies with minimal resistance from opposition parties. This leads to decisive governance but can also reduce the scrutiny of government actions.

Reduced Need for Coalition-Building:

Unlike proportional systems, FPTP rarely requires parties to form coalitions to govern. This means that the ruling party does not need to compromise with smaller parties, allowing it to implement its manifesto commitments more fully.

Potential for Authoritarianism:

The concentration of power in the hands of a single party can lead to concerns about a lack of checks and balances. A strong majority government might face less scrutiny and opposition, potentially leading to decisions that lack thorough debate or consideration.

Stability vs. Representation:

While FPTP can provide stable governments capable of decisive action, it often results in governments that do not proportionally represent the electorate's preferences, leading to questions about democratic legitimacy.

Proportional Representation (PR) and Coalition Governments

System Overview:

• PR systems, such as the Additional Member System (AMS), are designed to allocate seats in proportion to the votes received by each party. AMS combines elements of FPTP with a regional list system to produce a more proportional outcome. It is used in elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and London Assembly. Impact on Government Formation:

Tendency to Produce Coalition Governments:

PR systems rarely produce single-party majority governments. Instead, they often result in coalition governments, where two or more parties must cooperate to achieve a governing majority.

• Examples:

• In Germany, which uses a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system similar to AMS, coalition governments are the norm, requiring parties to negotiate and compromise on policy positions. Implications for Governance:

Cooperation and Compromise:

Coalition governments require negotiation and compromise between parties. This often results in more moderate and consensus-based policies, as parties must find common ground to govern effectively. While this can lead to more inclusive governance, it may also slow down the legislative process.

Increased Scrutiny and Accountability:

Coalition governments can lead to more rigorous scrutiny of legislation, as different parties within the coalition may have divergent views and priorities. This ensures that proposed laws are thoroughly debated and that a wider range of perspectives is considered.

Potential for Instability:

While PR systems promote representation and inclusivity, they can also lead to less stable governments. Coalition governments may face difficulties in maintaining unity, especially if there are significant policy disagreements between coalition partners. This can result in early elections or frequent changes in government.

Balanced Representation:

PR systems ensure that the composition of the legislature more accurately reflects the electorate's preferences. This can lead to greater public satisfaction with the democratic process, as smaller parties and diverse viewpoints are better represented.

Comparative Analysis: FPTP vs. PR (AMS)

Feature	First Past the Post (FPTP)	Proportional Representation (AMS)
Type of Government Produced	Typically strong single-party majority governments	Usually coalition or minority governments
Legislative Efficiency	High—legislation passed quickly with less opposition	Moderate—requires negotiation and compromise
Government Stability	Generally stable due to majority control	Potentially less stable due to coalition dynamics
Scrutiny and Accountability	Lower—less opposition scrutiny	Higher—coalition partners provide internal checks
Representation	Disproportionate—favours larger parties	Proportional—reflects electorate's preferences
Examples	UK General Elections (e.g., 2019, 2015)	Scottish Parliament Elections (e.g., 1999-2007)

Conclusion

The electoral system used in an election significantly impacts the type of government that is formed and the nature of governance that follows. FPTP tends to produce strong, single-party majority governments that can pass legislation quickly but with less scrutiny, often at the expense of proportional representation and inclusivity. On the other hand, PR systems like AMS encourage coalition governments that require cooperation and compromise, leading to more balanced and representative governance, albeit with potential challenges in stability and legislative efficiency.