Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of the first past the post electoral system?
What is the primary characteristic of the first past the post electoral system?
How does a political party gain seats in the proportional representation electoral system?
How does a political party gain seats in the proportional representation electoral system?
What is a primary disadvantage of the first past the post electoral system?
What is a primary disadvantage of the first past the post electoral system?
Which of the following is a benefit of the proportional representation electoral system?
Which of the following is a benefit of the proportional representation electoral system?
Signup and view all the answers
Which electoral system is used primarily in most Caribbean countries?
Which electoral system is used primarily in most Caribbean countries?
Signup and view all the answers
In the proportional representation system, how are candidates from a party selected for parliament?
In the proportional representation system, how are candidates from a party selected for parliament?
Signup and view all the answers
What issue might arise from the first past the post electoral system concerning opposition constituencies?
What issue might arise from the first past the post electoral system concerning opposition constituencies?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a notable feature of how the country operates in the proportional representation system?
What is a notable feature of how the country operates in the proportional representation system?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Electoral Systems in the Caribbean
- The Caribbean utilizes the simple majority first-past-the-post system.
- Guyana, along with some other South American nations, employs the proportional representation system.
First-Past-the-Post System
- Countries are divided into constituencies, which are geographic areas with voters.
- Each party nominates a candidate for each constituency.
- The candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins and becomes the representative in the lower house of parliament.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is an example of a country using this system.
Proportional Representation System
- The entire country is considered a single constituency.
- Parties present a list of candidates based on the number of parliamentary seats.
- The list is ordered by party preference with the leader at the top.
- Voters choose a party, not a specific candidate.
- Parliamentary seats are awarded proportionally to the votes received.
- For instance, a party securing 20% of the votes receives 20% of the parliamentary seats.
- Guyana is an example of a country using this system.
Advantages of First-Past-the-Post System
- Guarantees the candidate with the most votes wins the election.
- Promotes individual parliamentary accountability to their constituents.
- Enables constituencies to select their representatives.
- Allows constituents to directly appeal to their representative for services.
Disadvantages of First-Past-the-Post System
- Constituencies with opposition representatives might be neglected or discriminated against by the government.
- Susceptible to gerrymandering (manipulating electoral boundaries for partisan gain).
- Independent candidates struggle to gain significant votes.
Advantages of Proportional Representation System
- Provides representation for minority political parties.
- Eliminates gerrymandering.
- Each party receives parliamentary seats based on the number of votes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the key electoral systems used in the Caribbean, focusing on the simple majority first-past-the-post system and proportional representation. Learn how these systems influence political representation and party dynamics in countries like Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis.
