Electoral Systems

Lesson Objectives I will get the opportunity to identify what I think makes a good electoral system

Introduction An electoral system is something which is used to help us decide how to elect our representatives. In the UK we have four main systems of electing our representatives. It will be your job to examine the strengths and weaknesses of these systems before deciding which you feel is the best one.

Discussion Question If you were deciding on a way to elect MSP’s, MP’s or councillors, what factors would you need to take into consideration? For example, you might want to take into account how many people are to represent each area. One? More than one?

What do we look for in an electoral system? Broad proportionality (seats won mirror votes cast) A stable, effective government is created Voters feel like they have a proper choice There is a strong link between representative and voter Fair chance of representation for smaller parties, women and minority groups

Electoral Systems Used in the UK Match up the electoral system to the election First Past the Post Additional Member System Single Transferable Vote Party List Scottish Local Elections UK General Elections European Parliament Elections Elections to the Scottish Parliament

Different Types 1. Winner takes all – First Past the Post 2. Proportional Representation – STV, Party List 3. Hybrid Systems (A mix of the two above) – AMS – although for the purposes of this course it counts as a form of PR

Winner Takes All – Don’t copy No matter the vote you receive, as long as you receive one more vote than your closest opponent then you win. Anne McGuire wins the seat below, despite receiving less than half of the vote. Stirling ANNE MCGUIRE - Labour 19,558 BOB DALRYMPLE – Lib Dem 11,204 ALISON LINDSAY – SNP 8,091 GRAHAM REED - Conservatives 6,797

Proportional Systems – Don’t copy Proportional systems are slightly different and certainly more complex. While the person or the party with the most votes still gets representation, so do others. The idea behind it is to get a wider range of political parties elected.