Electoral Systems - Notes
Elections and democracy
Elections are a competitive process in which the electorate select individuals to serve in
specified positions
Functions of elections
Representation
- In a representative democracy, elections enable the larger group (electorate) to select a
smaller group (representatives) to act on their behalf
Choosing a government
- General elections determine the composition of the hoc, but as the majority party in
parliament forms the government, elections also normally determine which party takes
power
Participation
- Voting is the main form of political participation
Influence over policy
- Elections allow citizens to voice their policy preferences
- Political parties issue manifestoes, then the victorious party claims a mandate to deliver
the policies
Accountability
- The government and individual MPs are held accountable and will be removed from
power if the electorate is unhappy with their record
Citizen education
- Election campaigns provide citizens with information on major political issues and the
policies of the main parties
- In theory, this enables citizens to make an informed decision on how to vote, but in
practise there is imperfect information
Legitimacy
- Elections give legitimacy to the winning party and the political system as a whole
Elite recruitment
- Political parties nominate candidates for election and provide them with campaign
resources, and return, expect loyalty from them if they become MP’s
1
, Free and fair elections
In a liberal democracy, election should be competitive, free, and fair
Competitive elections - requires that voters have a meaningful choice between different
political parties
Free elections - require basic civil liberties such as freedom of speech and association, the
right to join and stand for a parties one chooses and free press
Elections in the UK
General elections
- These elect all 650 MPs who make up the hoc
- Fixed term parliaments in 2011 introduced fixed five-year terms for governments
- PM must seek a 2/3 majority in the hoc if they wish to trigger an early general election
Elections to the devolved assemblies
- Elections to the Scottish parliament, welsh assembly and Northern Ireland assembly are
now held every five years
Local elections
- Elected for fixed four-year terms
- Some towns and cities also have directly elected mayors, such as London
By-elections
- A by election is held to choose a new representative if a constituency seat in the hoc,
devolved assembly, or English local authority becomes vacant because of a death or
resignation of an elected member
Parts that are not elected
- Head of state (monarchy)
- Upper chamber of parliament (HOL)
- Judiciary
Electoral systems
Electoral systems translate votes cast by citizens into seats in assembly or political office
Majoritarian system
The winning candidate must secure an absolute majority of the vote
Candidates are usually elected in single member constituencies
FPTP use for UK general elections is often described as a majoritarian system but this is not
strictly accurate
2
Elections and democracy
Elections are a competitive process in which the electorate select individuals to serve in
specified positions
Functions of elections
Representation
- In a representative democracy, elections enable the larger group (electorate) to select a
smaller group (representatives) to act on their behalf
Choosing a government
- General elections determine the composition of the hoc, but as the majority party in
parliament forms the government, elections also normally determine which party takes
power
Participation
- Voting is the main form of political participation
Influence over policy
- Elections allow citizens to voice their policy preferences
- Political parties issue manifestoes, then the victorious party claims a mandate to deliver
the policies
Accountability
- The government and individual MPs are held accountable and will be removed from
power if the electorate is unhappy with their record
Citizen education
- Election campaigns provide citizens with information on major political issues and the
policies of the main parties
- In theory, this enables citizens to make an informed decision on how to vote, but in
practise there is imperfect information
Legitimacy
- Elections give legitimacy to the winning party and the political system as a whole
Elite recruitment
- Political parties nominate candidates for election and provide them with campaign
resources, and return, expect loyalty from them if they become MP’s
1
, Free and fair elections
In a liberal democracy, election should be competitive, free, and fair
Competitive elections - requires that voters have a meaningful choice between different
political parties
Free elections - require basic civil liberties such as freedom of speech and association, the
right to join and stand for a parties one chooses and free press
Elections in the UK
General elections
- These elect all 650 MPs who make up the hoc
- Fixed term parliaments in 2011 introduced fixed five-year terms for governments
- PM must seek a 2/3 majority in the hoc if they wish to trigger an early general election
Elections to the devolved assemblies
- Elections to the Scottish parliament, welsh assembly and Northern Ireland assembly are
now held every five years
Local elections
- Elected for fixed four-year terms
- Some towns and cities also have directly elected mayors, such as London
By-elections
- A by election is held to choose a new representative if a constituency seat in the hoc,
devolved assembly, or English local authority becomes vacant because of a death or
resignation of an elected member
Parts that are not elected
- Head of state (monarchy)
- Upper chamber of parliament (HOL)
- Judiciary
Electoral systems
Electoral systems translate votes cast by citizens into seats in assembly or political office
Majoritarian system
The winning candidate must secure an absolute majority of the vote
Candidates are usually elected in single member constituencies
FPTP use for UK general elections is often described as a majoritarian system but this is not
strictly accurate
2
