 starter activity Why do we have elections?  Do you think it’s possible to impose democratic voting systems on developing nations?

Why do we have elections? To identify & evaluate the reasons why we have elections To assess the problems with elections  LOs  Key words: legitimacy mandate devolved assembly by-election

 Your task You each will be given a slip of paper. On it will be a statement explaining why we have elections. Go up to someone in the room and convince them your reason is more important than theirs. If you win the debate, tick your slip and move on. You each will be given a slip of paper. On it will be a statement explaining why we have elections. Go up to someone in the room and convince them your reason is more important than theirs. If you win the debate, tick your slip and move on. Arrange the slips in order – those with the most ticks at the top. Arrange the slips in order – those with the most ticks at the top.  Can you think of other reasons for elections?  Can you think of other reasons for elections?

Reasons we have elections

Reasons for elections Representation Representation Choosing a government Choosing a government Participation Participation Influence over policy Influence over policy Accountability Accountability Citizen education Citizen education Legitimacy Legitimacy Elite recruitment – candidate selection Elite recruitment – candidate selection

 Your task What are the problems with elections? Make a list with your partner and record your ideas in your notes What are the problems with elections? Make a list with your partner and record your ideas in your notes  Extension: visit and list the different types of elections in the UK and how YOU can register to vote  Extension: visit and list the different types of elections in the UK and how YOU can register to vote Screaming Lord Sutch, Monster Raving Loony Party

Problems Limit choice – parties produce specific manifestoes Limit choice – parties produce specific manifestoes Protest & tactical voting Protest & tactical voting Electoral systems way be inherently unfair Electoral systems way be inherently unfair Exclude smaller parties Exclude smaller parties Mandates (landslide victory)may give excessive power Mandates (landslide victory)may give excessive power Costly – benefit larger parties Costly – benefit larger parties Accessibility – some would prefer alternative ways of voting Accessibility – some would prefer alternative ways of voting

 Your task Read p.38 (Bennett) and complete a chart similar to the one below: Read p.38 (Bennett) and complete a chart similar to the one below:  See next slide>>>  See next slide>>> TypeWhoHow oftenOther points General election European Parliament Devolved Assemblies Local elections By-elections

In 1997, the Labour Government set up a special commission (body) to investigate the electoral system used for General Elections. It was called the Jenkins Commission as it was headed by Roy Jenkins a senior politician. Jenkins was given several criteria to use to assess if the system used for these elections was fair and effective. What do you think these criteria were? How well do you think our electoral systems meet these criteria?

The criteria given to the Jenkins Commission Results were broadly proportional Created stable government Provided voters with a choice Kept a link between the MP who was chosen and the people who elected them

Why do we have elections? To identify & evaluate the reasons why we have elections To assess the problems with elections  LOs  Key words: legitimacy mandate