1. Does Britain have an adequate parliamentary electoral system? Contemporary British Culture & Society 4+1 Project Lulu ( 陈璐） Lulu ( 陈璐） 2003-11-8 2003-11-8

2. Introduction “ We have discussed kings and statesmen and wars, and when desirous to show our appreciation of 'progress' — institutions, inventions and 'reforms'. But how much do we know of the real political life of the country, even about that body which before the eyes of the nation has for centuries shaped its joint existence? ” — Sir Lewis Namier

3. Focus aspects Central Government in UKCentral Government in UK Parliamentary ElectionsParliamentary Elections Justify the electoral system in UKJustify the electoral system in UK

4. The Structure of Central Government The Structure of Central Government Monarch LegislatureExecutiveJudiciary The principle of dividing the function of government is known as “ the separation of powers. ” In the purpose to resist excessive use of abuse of power by any small group of people.

5. Why have election? What is a General Election? What electoral system does UK use? What electoral system does UK use? The electoral system used in United Kindom for elections to the House of Commons is the single member consitituency with simple majority,also known as the first-past-the-post system.

6. What is a Parliamentary Constituency? A constituency is a geographical areas.A constituency is a geographical areas. There are 659 constituencies in the United Kingdom. Voters living in that area elect one person to serve as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.

7. Who can vote in a general election?  British citizens aged 18 or over;  Citizens of the Irish Republic and Commonwealth countries who are aged 18 or over and meet certain countries who are aged 18 or over and meet certain residency requirements.  Those ineligible to vote are: (including 7 items)

8. Does Britain vote for a Prime Minister? Voters do not directly elect the Prime Minister, although he or she is an elected Member of Parliament. The leader of the party that wins the most seats (i.e., constituencies) in the election, or which has the support of a majority in the new House of Commons, is, by convention, invited by the Queen to form a government. He or she becomes Prime Minister and chooses the ministers who will together form the new governmentVoters do not directly elect the Prime Minister, although he or she is an elected Member of Parliament. The leader of the party that wins the most seats (i.e., constituencies) in the election, or which has the support of a majority in the new House of Commons, is, by convention, invited by the Queen to form a government. He or she becomes Prime Minister and chooses the ministers who will together form the new government

9. Advatanges of this system 1 The first-past-the post system is relatively simple and easy to carry out.It is only three steps.(candidate — Mps — prime minister (government)^)1 The first-past-the post system is relatively simple and easy to carry out.It is only three steps.(candidate — Mps — prime minister (government)^) 2 It is inexpensive to operate and produce a result quickly and fairly.2 It is inexpensive to operate and produce a result quickly and fairly. 3 It could help consitutents know whom to approach when they have a problem.One party generally gains a majority in the House of Commons so that voters know which policies will be carried out.3 It could help consitutents know whom to approach when they have a problem.One party generally gains a majority in the House of Commons so that voters know which policies will be carried out.

10. Disadvantage of this system The total electorate of consitutencies varies for a number of reasons including geographical considerations — thus the winner in a smaller constituency can have fewer votes than the runner in a larger constituency.The total electorate of consitutencies varies for a number of reasons including geographical considerations — thus the winner in a smaller constituency can have fewer votes than the runner in a larger constituency. It is possible for the party that forms Government to have receive fewer votes than its nearest rivals.It is possible for the party that forms Government to have receive fewer votes than its nearest rivals. A number of seats are considered as ” safe ” one party generally wins.Voters do not support this party may feel there is no point in voting at all.A number of seats are considered as ” safe ” one party generally wins.Voters do not support this party may feel there is no point in voting at all.

11. The Electoral Reform Society The Electoral Reform Society is a membership organisation which campaigns for improvements in our democracy, particularly through the use of better voting systems. The Electoral Reform Society is a membership organisation which campaigns for improvements in our democracy, particularly through the use of better voting systems.

12. The End