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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