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Explain the workings of three electoral systems used in the UK - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 4
Explain the workings of three electoral systems used in the UK. (10)
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the workings of three electoral systems used in the UK - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
First Past the Post (FPTP)
Answer
The First Past the Post system is utilized for elections to Westminster. In this system, the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins. It is a plurality voting system, meaning that the winning candidate does not need to achieve an absolute majority, which is more than 50% of the votes cast. Each of the 650 constituencies has one Member of Parliament (MP), and voters indicate their preference by marking a ballot next to their chosen candidate. The MP with the highest number of votes in each constituency is elected, resulting in a straightforward winner-takes-all approach.
Step 2
Additional Member System (AMS)
Answer
The Additional Member System is employed in the devolved regions of Scotland and Wales and is also used for the London Assembly. This hybrid electoral system combines elements of both First Past the Post and a proportional representation system. Voters cast two votes: one for a candidate in their constituency (using FPTP) and another for a party in a regional list. The constituency votes determine the majority of the MPs, while the regional votes aim to ensure proportionality. The seats are allocated to parties based on their overall share of the regional vote, providing a balance between local representation and proportionality.
Step 3
Regional Closed Party List System (RCPL)
Answer
The Regional Closed Party List System is practiced in the UK (but not in Northern Ireland) for European elections and some regional elections. In this system, voters choose a party rather than an individual candidate. Each party provides a list of candidates, typically ranked in order of preference. The number of seats each party receives is determined by the proportion of votes they achieve. Voters effectively endorse the party list, and the candidate from the list is elected according to the party's ranking. This method aims to enhance proportional representation, ensuring that the percentage of seats aligns closely with the total vote share that each party receives.