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How Voting Systems Help or Hurt Fairness in Elections

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Mia Penny

04/04/2023

Modern Studies

Modern studies essay plan on electoral systems

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Modern Studies

How Voting Systems Help or Hurt Fairness in Elections

Electoral systems significantly shape democratic representation, with various methods showing different levels of effectiveness in translating votes to seats. The impact of electoral systems on fair representation varies considerably across the UK's different voting mechanisms.

  • First Past the Post (FPTP) demonstrates significant disparities between vote share and seat allocation
  • Alternative Member System (AMS) shows improved proportionality in vote-to-seat conversion
  • Single Transferable Vote (STV) offers enhanced voter choice and better representation
  • The analysis of proportional representation in UK elections reveals that more proportional systems generally deliver fairer outcomes
  • The effectiveness of choice in various electoral systems ranges from limited in FPTP to extensive in STV
...

04/04/2023

421

To what extent do the electoral systems you have studied provide effective choice and fair representation? (20). Paragraph (DEPTP | > winner

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Alternative Member System (AMS) and Single Transferable Vote (STV)

AMS aims to match the percentage of votes to seats more accurately, offering voters expanded choices. The system provides multiple party options, though some limitations exist.

Example: In the 2021 Scottish election, the SNP received 46% of constituency votes, 43% of regional votes, and 49% of seats overall, showing improved proportionality.

The STV system, used for local elections, provides even greater voter choice and representation. It operates across 353 wards with multiple candidates per ward, allowing voters to rank their preferences.

Highlight: In recent elections, the SNP received 34.7% of preferred votes and 37% of seats under STV, demonstrating close alignment between votes and representation.

Definition: PR quota refers to the minimum number of votes needed to secure election under the STV system.

Example: With 3-4 candidates per ward, voters have increased chances of having at least one representative aligned with their preferences.

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Humanities

Philosophical Subdisciplines and Approaches

Political Philosophy

 

Modern Studies

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421

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4 Apr 2023

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2 pages

How Voting Systems Help or Hurt Fairness in Elections

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Mia Penny

@miapenny_cllp

Electoral systems significantly shape democratic representation, with various methods showing different levels of effectiveness in translating votes to seats. The impact of electoral systems on fair representation varies considerably across the UK's different voting mechanisms.

  • First Past the Post (FPTP)... Show more

To what extent do the electoral systems you have studied provide effective choice and fair representation? (20). Paragraph (DEPTP | > winner

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Alternative Member System (AMS) and Single Transferable Vote (STV)

AMS aims to match the percentage of votes to seats more accurately, offering voters expanded choices. The system provides multiple party options, though some limitations exist.

Example: In the 2021 Scottish election, the SNP received 46% of constituency votes, 43% of regional votes, and 49% of seats overall, showing improved proportionality.

The STV system, used for local elections, provides even greater voter choice and representation. It operates across 353 wards with multiple candidates per ward, allowing voters to rank their preferences.

Highlight: In recent elections, the SNP received 34.7% of preferred votes and 37% of seats under STV, demonstrating close alignment between votes and representation.

Definition: PR quota refers to the minimum number of votes needed to secure election under the STV system.

Example: With 3-4 candidates per ward, voters have increased chances of having at least one representative aligned with their preferences.

To what extent do the electoral systems you have studied provide effective choice and fair representation? (20). Paragraph (DEPTP | > winner

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Improve your grades

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First Past the Post (FPTP) Analysis

FPTP operates as the primary electoral system for UK general elections, where the candidate with the highest percentage of votes wins the constituency. Voters in constituencies like West Kincardine & Aberdeenshire can choose between candidates from different parties, though their choice of specific individuals within parties is limited.

Example: In the 2019 general election, the Conservatives received 43% of votes but secured 56% of seats, demonstrating a significant disparity.

Highlight: BBC analysis suggests that under a proportional system, the Conservatives would have won 288 seats instead of 365.

Definition: Safe seats are constituencies where one party consistently wins elections, limiting real voter choice.

Example: In Sunderland, Labour has maintained the same seat since 2005, leading to tactical voting and voter apathy.

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

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Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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