6 Party Systems

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Outline the workings of all 6 systems. First Past the Post This is a system based around many small single member constituencies. In each constituency voters choose a single candidate on the ballot paper and mark their choice with an ‘X’. This reflects the principle of ‘one person, one vote’. Constituencies should be roughly equal in size to ensure fairness. Each constituency returns a single candidate who gains the most, or plurality of votes, rather than an overall majority. This is often seen as the ‘winner takes all’ affect. This system is currently used to elect representatives to the House of Commons during the UK General Election. It is liked due to its simple structure and clear link between electorate and representative. However opponents argue that the overall outcomes are disproportional and unfair and that they perpetuate a two party system. Supplementary Vote This system is a shortened version of the Alternative Vote. Under SV, there are two columns on the ballot paper one for voters to mark their first preference vote and one in which to make a second supplementary vote. Voters mark one ‘X’ in each column, although voters are not required to make a second choice if they do not wish to. All the first choices are then counted, and if a candidate has a majority, they are elected. The wining candidate in the election must gain a minimum of 50 per cent of all votes cast. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two candidates continue to a second round and all other candidates are eliminated. The second-choice votes of everyone whose first choice has been eliminated are then counted. Any votes for the remaining candidates are then added to their first-round totals. Whichever candidate has the most votes after these second-preferences have been allocated is declared winner. It is liked due to the fact that it ensures that fewer votes are wasted
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