1. Electoral Systems

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

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 ,558
BOB DALRYMPLE – Lib Dem 11,204
ALISON LINDSAY – SNP ,091
GRAHAM REED - Conservatives ,797

9. 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.