Electoral Systems: MMP vs FPTP
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Questions and Answers

What are the two types of votes cast in a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system?

  • A single vote for the majority party
  • Two votes for candidates
  • One vote for a party and one for an independent candidate
  • One vote for a district candidate and one for a party (correct)
  • How does the MMP system enhance accountability for district representatives?

  • By making party representatives accountable to the government
  • By rotating representatives every election cycle
  • By providing clear electoral boundaries and responsibilities (correct)
  • By allowing unlimited party votes
  • What challenge does the proportional nature of the MMP system introduce to governance?

  • It guarantees an absolute majority for one party
  • It leads to political apathy among voters
  • It simplifies passing legislation during crises
  • It complicates decision-making due to coalition governments (correct)
  • Which of the following is a disadvantage of the SMDP system highlighted in the content?

    <p>It fails to represent the population accurately (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What problem is reduced in the MMP system compared to other electoral systems?

    <p>Tactical voting by electors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of representation, what advantage does the MMP system provide?

    <p>It offers voters two distinct votes for better representation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential advantage does a Single-Member District Plurality (SMDP) system offer over MMP?

    <p>Reduced complexity in governance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which electoral system is used in the UK that contrasts with the MMP system?

    <p>First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant reason for the misrepresentation of the electorate in the First-Past-The-Post system?

    <p>It produces many wasted votes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of the FPTP electoral system?

    <p>Ensures a quick decision-making process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Germany, what threshold must a party meet to receive a seat in the Bundestag?

    <p>5% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the electoral college primarily determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections?

    <p>First-past-the-post system in states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable outcome in the 2024 general election in the UK regarding the Labour party?

    <p>They received 33% of the popular vote. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which system is utilized by New Zealand to decide seat allocations in their elections?

    <p>Closed list party system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical criticism of the electoral college system in the United States?

    <p>It does not always reflect the popular vote outcome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be considered a disadvantage of the closed list party system?

    <p>It can foster clientelism and corruption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does the FPTP system discourage voting for smaller parties?

    <p>It often leads to tactical voting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do electors play in the U.S. presidential election system?

    <p>They cast votes to elect the President. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the principle behind the electoral college system's winner-takes-all approach?

    <p>It results in the majority party getting all electoral votes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of gerrymandering in electoral systems?

    <p>It can manipulate election outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the electoral college require for a candidate to win the presidency?

    <p>At least 270 electoral college votes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might some argue the winner-takes-all nature of the electoral college is undemocratic?

    <p>It can lead to outcomes where the popular vote doesn't align with electors' votes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    MMP System (Mixed Member Proportional)

    An electoral system that combines features of both proportional representation (PR) and single-member district (SMDP) systems, allowing voters to cast two votes - one for a specific candidate and one for a party.

    SMDP (Single Member District Plurality)

    A voting system where a single candidate is elected from each electoral district based on who receives the most votes, regardless of the overall percentage of votes received.

    Proportional Representation (PR)

    A voting system that aims to allocate seats in a legislature proportionally to the percentage of votes each party receives, allowing for greater representation of smaller parties.

    District Vote

    A voting system used in MMP systems where voters choose a candidate from their specific electoral district. This vote determines the representative for that district.

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    Party Vote

    A voting system used in MMP systems where voters choose a political party they support. This vote determines the overall proportional allocation of seats in the legislature.

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    Coalition Governments in MMP Systems

    A potential disadvantage of MMP systems, where the requirement for coalition governments can lead to slower decision-making and difficulty in passing legislation due to differing party agendas.

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    Proportional Representation in MMP Systems

    A potential advantage of MMP systems, where the proportional allocation of seats provides a more accurate representation of the electorate's political preferences compared to SMDP systems.

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    Voter Choice in MMP Systems

    A potential advantage of MMP systems, offering voters two separate votes - one for a candidate and another for a party - providing greater choice and reducing tactical voting.

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    First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

    A system in which the candidate with the most votes in a district wins the seat, regardless of the proportion of votes received. Commonly seen in the UK and other countries.

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    Mixed Member Proportional with Threshold

    A system in which parties receive seats based on the percentage of votes received, but a minimum threshold of votes is required for a party to gain representation in parliament. Found in Germany.

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    Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)

    A system in which voters have two votes - one for a candidate in their district, and another for a party list. This system helps ensure greater proportionality in the legislature, allowing smaller parties to be represented.

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    Closed List System

    A system in which a party's list of candidates determines the proportion of seats they receive in parliament. Voters choose a party, not a candidate.

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    Proportional Representation

    The number of seats a party wins in parliament is directly proportional to the percentage of votes they received in the election.

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    Winner-Takes-All

    A system in which electoral votes are allocated to the candidate who wins the most votes in a state.

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    Electoral College

    A system in which voters choose electors who then vote for the President. Each state receives electors based on its representation in Congress.

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    Majoritarian System

    A system in which the party with the most votes (not necessarily a majority) forms the government.

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    Gerrymandering

    The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one party or group over another.

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    Tactical Voting

    A strategy in which voters choose to vote for a less preferred candidate to increase the chances of defeating a more disliked candidate.

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    Minority Government

    A situation where a party forms a government despite not having the majority of votes.

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    Coalition Government

    A situation where two or more parties share power in a government.

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    Swing State

    The power of a state to influence the outcome of an election disproportionately. States with higher vote concentration have a greater impact on the outcome.

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    Single-Member District Plurality

    A system in which the candidate with the most votes in a district wins the seat, regardless of the proportion of votes received.

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    Parliamentary System

    A system in which the government is formed by the party or coalition with the most seats in the legislature.

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    Study Notes

    Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) Systems

    • MMP combines proportional and single-member district systems
    • Voters cast two votes: one for a candidate in their district (plurality system), and one for a party (party list).
    • Used in Germany and New Zealand
    • Advantages of MMP:
      • Direct representation through district representatives
      • Accountability and clarity of responsibility
      • Proportional representation of parties in the legislature, reducing misrepresentation of voter will
      • Encourages voter choice and reduces tactical voting, allowing smaller parties to be represented
    • Disadvantages of MMP:
      • Can lead to coalition governments that may be less stable and efficient, especially in times of crisis
      • A threshold for party representation (e.g., 5% in Germany) can exclude smaller parties
      • Closed party lists in systems like New Zealand can limit voter influence and potentially promote corruption

    First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) Systems

    • FPTP is a majoritarian, single-member district plurality system (UK).
    • Voters elect a candidate for their constituency, the party with the most constituencies forms the government.
    • Advantages of FPTP:
      • Simple, straightforward systems
      • Leads to single-party governments, enabling strong mandates and quick decision-making in crises
      • High accountability and clarity of responsibility, as voters know who to contact and representatives know their constituency.
    • Disadvantages of FPTP
      • Misrepresentation of the overall voter population, even if a party wins a majority of votes
      • Wasted votes and difficulty for smaller parties
      • Encourages tactical voting, leading to a two-party system

    US Electoral College

    • The US Presidential election system utilizes the Electoral College, not direct popular vote.
    • Each state is allocated electors equal to its Congressional representation (Senators + Representatives).
    • The winner-takes-all system in most states awards all electoral college votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state
    • Candidates need a majority of 270 electoral college votes to win.
    • Advantages of the Electoral College
      • States with smaller population have a voice.
    • Disadvantages of the Electoral College
      • Not representative of the national popular vote.
      • Undue influence of swing states can lead to candidate focus solely on these states
      • Electoral college can be manipulated through gerrymandering

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    Description

    This quiz explores the Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) and First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral systems. It covers their mechanics, advantages, and disadvantages, highlighting the differences between direct representation and proportional representation. Ideal for understanding how different voting systems operate in democratic contexts.

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