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27 Dec 2025
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Understanding UK Electoral Systems: FPTP, AMS, STV, SV & Referendums
E
Emily
@emilyknowsbest
How UK Electoral Systems Shape Politics
First-past-the-post (FPTP) might seem straightforward - whoever gets the most votes in each constituency wins - but it creates some wild distortions. In 2015, UKIP got 4 million votes but only 1 seat, while the SNP got 1.5 million votes but won 56 seats! That's because FPTP rewards parties with concentrated support over those with spread-out backing.
The system does create strong single-party governments quickly and maintains clear links between MPs and their constituencies. However, it massively overrepresents major parties whilst smaller ones get squeezed out, leading to tactical voting and loads of safe seats where the outcome's predictable.
Proportional systems like Additional Member System (AMS) and Single Transferable Vote (STV) give voters more choice and fairer representation. In Scotland, the Conservatives picked up 24 regional seats through AMS in 2016, despite only winning 7 constituency seats - showing how proportional systems help parties with widespread but not concentrated support.
Key Impact: Proportional systems have led to more coalition and minority governments in devolved assemblies, giving smaller parties like the SNP, Plaid Cymru, and DUP significant political influence.
The downside? These systems often produce weaker coalition governments and can be more complex for voters to understand, though they do ensure almost every vote actually counts towards the final result.
UK Referendums: When the People Decide
British referendums have tackled the biggest constitutional questions of the past 50 years - from EU membership to Scottish independence. The 2016 Brexit referendum (51.9% Leave, 72% turnout) and 2014 Scottish independence referendum (55.3% No, 84% turnout) show how these votes can literally reshape the nation.
What's fascinating is how referendum results vary wildly by region and time. Wales rejected devolution by nearly 80% in 1979, then narrowly accepted it by just 0.3% in 1997! Scotland's devolution journey shows similar patterns - the 1979 referendum technically passed with 51% support but was ignored due to low turnout rules.
Turnout matters massively - compare the pathetic 34% turnout for London's mayoral referendum versus the record-breaking 84% for Scottish independence. Higher stakes clearly motivate more voters, whilst local issues struggle to capture public imagination.
Reality Check: The 2011 AV referendum saw 67.9% reject electoral reform - showing that when given the chance, British voters actually prefer keeping the current FPTP system despite its flaws.
Key terms you'll need: safe seats (predictable party victories), marginal seats (genuine contests), minority governments (largest party without majority), coalition governments (multiple parties sharing power), and confidence and supply agreements (smaller parties supporting larger ones on key votes).
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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
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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.
Anna
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
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
iOS user
Understanding UK Electoral Systems: FPTP, AMS, STV, SV & Referendums
E
Emily
@emilyknowsbest
Electoral systems shape how we vote and who gets into power - and the UK uses several different ones! From the familiar first-past-the-post system in general elections to proportional systems in devolved assemblies, each method creates different outcomes for parties,... Show more
How UK Electoral Systems Shape Politics
First-past-the-post (FPTP) might seem straightforward - whoever gets the most votes in each constituency wins - but it creates some wild distortions. In 2015, UKIP got 4 million votes but only 1 seat, while the SNP got 1.5 million votes but won 56 seats! That's because FPTP rewards parties with concentrated support over those with spread-out backing.
The system does create strong single-party governments quickly and maintains clear links between MPs and their constituencies. However, it massively overrepresents major parties whilst smaller ones get squeezed out, leading to tactical voting and loads of safe seats where the outcome's predictable.
Proportional systems like Additional Member System (AMS) and Single Transferable Vote (STV) give voters more choice and fairer representation. In Scotland, the Conservatives picked up 24 regional seats through AMS in 2016, despite only winning 7 constituency seats - showing how proportional systems help parties with widespread but not concentrated support.
Key Impact: Proportional systems have led to more coalition and minority governments in devolved assemblies, giving smaller parties like the SNP, Plaid Cymru, and DUP significant political influence.
The downside? These systems often produce weaker coalition governments and can be more complex for voters to understand, though they do ensure almost every vote actually counts towards the final result.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
UK Referendums: When the People Decide
British referendums have tackled the biggest constitutional questions of the past 50 years - from EU membership to Scottish independence. The 2016 Brexit referendum (51.9% Leave, 72% turnout) and 2014 Scottish independence referendum (55.3% No, 84% turnout) show how these votes can literally reshape the nation.
What's fascinating is how referendum results vary wildly by region and time. Wales rejected devolution by nearly 80% in 1979, then narrowly accepted it by just 0.3% in 1997! Scotland's devolution journey shows similar patterns - the 1979 referendum technically passed with 51% support but was ignored due to low turnout rules.
Turnout matters massively - compare the pathetic 34% turnout for London's mayoral referendum versus the record-breaking 84% for Scottish independence. Higher stakes clearly motivate more voters, whilst local issues struggle to capture public imagination.
Reality Check: The 2011 AV referendum saw 67.9% reject electoral reform - showing that when given the chance, British voters actually prefer keeping the current FPTP system despite its flaws.
Key terms you'll need: safe seats (predictable party victories), marginal seats (genuine contests), minority governments (largest party without majority), coalition governments (multiple parties sharing power), and confidence and supply agreements (smaller parties supporting larger ones on key votes).
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Political Philosophy
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
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
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
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
iOS user