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Questions and Answers
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?
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?
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Which electoral system is used primarily in most Caribbean countries?
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In the proportional representation system, how are candidates from a party selected for parliament?
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What issue might arise from the first past the post electoral system concerning opposition constituencies?
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What is a notable feature of how the country operates in the proportional representation system?
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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.
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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.
