Electoral Systems in UK Politics: A Comprehensive Guide
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01/10/2025
Politics
Revision sheet on electoral systems in the UK
Single Transferable Vote (STV) and Supplementary Vote (SV)
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
STV is used in Northern Ireland Assembly elections to facilitate power-sharing.
Definition: STV is a form of proportional representation using ranked voting in multi-member constituencies.
Key features:
- 18 regions with 6 representatives each
- Voters rank candidates in order of preference
- Candidates must reach a 'Droop quota' to be elected
Vocabulary: The Droop quota is calculated as: ) + 1
Effects on UK elections:
- Promotes multi-party systems and coalition governments
- Reduces the number of 'safe seats'
- Produces more proportional results
Advantages:
- Highly proportional results
- Offers greater voter choice
- Improves representation of diverse views
Disadvantages:
- More complex system
- Weakens the constituency link
- Can make single-party governments unlikely
Highlight: STV allows voters to choose between and within parties, offering a high degree of voter choice.
Supplementary Vote (SV)
SV is used to elect the Mayor of London every four years.
Definition: SV is a preferential voting system where voters express a first and second preference.
Key features:
- Two columns for first and second preferences
- If no majority after first preferences, top two candidates remain
- Second preferences are then redistributed
Effects on UK elections:
- Tends to maintain a two-party system
- Usually results in strong, single-party leadership
- Can lead to tactical voting
Advantages:
- Ensures a majority result
- Offers some voter choice
- Relatively simple to understand
Disadvantages:
- Can still lead to two-party dominance
- May produce 'false majorities'
- Many votes can be wasted
Example: In the 2016 London mayoral election, around 400,000 voters did not express a second preference, potentially reducing their influence on the final result.
This comprehensive guide to electoral systems in UK Politics provides essential information for students studying A-level Politics, particularly those following the Edexcel or AQA syllabi. Understanding these systems is crucial for analyzing voting behaviour and the complexities of UK elections.
First Past the Post (FPTP) and Additional Member System (AMS)
First Past the Post (FPTP)
FPTP is the primary electoral system used for UK general elections.
Definition: FPTP is a plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency becomes the MP.
Key features:
- 650 constituencies with approximately 70,000 people each
- Party with the most MPs forms the government
- Typically results in a two-party system
Effects on UK elections:
- Often produces strong, single-party governments
- Creates 'safe' and 'swing' seats
- Can lead to disproportionate results
Example: In 1997, Labour won 43% of the vote but 63% of the seats, demonstrating the 'winner's bonus' effect of FPTP.
Advantages:
- Simple and easy to understand
- Promotes strong governments
- Maintains MP-constituency link
Disadvantages:
- Lack of voter choice
- Unequal vote value
- Disproportionate results
Highlight: FPTP often results in a 'winner-takes-all' scenario, which can lead to underrepresentation of smaller parties.
Additional Member System (AMS)
AMS is used in Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections.
Definition: AMS combines FPTP with proportional representation, using two separate ballots - one for constituency MPs and one for regional lists.
Key features:
- Voters have two votes: constituency and regional
- Uses d'Hondt formula for allocating regional seats
- Aims to balance local representation with proportionality
Effects on UK elections:
- Tends to produce multi-party systems
- More likely to result in coalition governments
- Maintains some safe seats in constituency votes
Advantages:
- More proportional results
- Allows for split-ticket voting
- Encourages broader representation
Disadvantages:
- More complicated system
- Less likely to produce single-party governments
- Creates two tiers of representatives
Vocabulary: The d'Hondt formula is a mathematical method used to allocate seats in proportional representation systems.
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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.
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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.
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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
Electoral Systems in the UK: A-Level Politics Revision for Edexcel
Electoral Systems in UK Politics: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of various electoral systemsused in the UK, focusing on their operation, effects, advantages, and disadvantages. It covers First Past the Post (FPTP), Additional Member System... Show more
Single Transferable Vote (STV) and Supplementary Vote (SV)
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
STV is used in Northern Ireland Assembly elections to facilitate power-sharing.
Definition: STV is a form of proportional representation using ranked voting in multi-member constituencies.
Key features:
- 18 regions with 6 representatives each
- Voters rank candidates in order of preference
- Candidates must reach a 'Droop quota' to be elected
Vocabulary: The Droop quota is calculated as: ) + 1
Effects on UK elections:
- Promotes multi-party systems and coalition governments
- Reduces the number of 'safe seats'
- Produces more proportional results
Advantages:
- Highly proportional results
- Offers greater voter choice
- Improves representation of diverse views
Disadvantages:
- More complex system
- Weakens the constituency link
- Can make single-party governments unlikely
Highlight: STV allows voters to choose between and within parties, offering a high degree of voter choice.
Supplementary Vote (SV)
SV is used to elect the Mayor of London every four years.
Definition: SV is a preferential voting system where voters express a first and second preference.
Key features:
- Two columns for first and second preferences
- If no majority after first preferences, top two candidates remain
- Second preferences are then redistributed
Effects on UK elections:
- Tends to maintain a two-party system
- Usually results in strong, single-party leadership
- Can lead to tactical voting
Advantages:
- Ensures a majority result
- Offers some voter choice
- Relatively simple to understand
Disadvantages:
- Can still lead to two-party dominance
- May produce 'false majorities'
- Many votes can be wasted
Example: In the 2016 London mayoral election, around 400,000 voters did not express a second preference, potentially reducing their influence on the final result.
This comprehensive guide to electoral systems in UK Politics provides essential information for students studying A-level Politics, particularly those following the Edexcel or AQA syllabi. Understanding these systems is crucial for analyzing voting behaviour and the complexities of UK elections.
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
First Past the Post (FPTP) and Additional Member System (AMS)
First Past the Post (FPTP)
FPTP is the primary electoral system used for UK general elections.
Definition: FPTP is a plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency becomes the MP.
Key features:
- 650 constituencies with approximately 70,000 people each
- Party with the most MPs forms the government
- Typically results in a two-party system
Effects on UK elections:
- Often produces strong, single-party governments
- Creates 'safe' and 'swing' seats
- Can lead to disproportionate results
Example: In 1997, Labour won 43% of the vote but 63% of the seats, demonstrating the 'winner's bonus' effect of FPTP.
Advantages:
- Simple and easy to understand
- Promotes strong governments
- Maintains MP-constituency link
Disadvantages:
- Lack of voter choice
- Unequal vote value
- Disproportionate results
Highlight: FPTP often results in a 'winner-takes-all' scenario, which can lead to underrepresentation of smaller parties.
Additional Member System (AMS)
AMS is used in Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections.
Definition: AMS combines FPTP with proportional representation, using two separate ballots - one for constituency MPs and one for regional lists.
Key features:
- Voters have two votes: constituency and regional
- Uses d'Hondt formula for allocating regional seats
- Aims to balance local representation with proportionality
Effects on UK elections:
- Tends to produce multi-party systems
- More likely to result in coalition governments
- Maintains some safe seats in constituency votes
Advantages:
- More proportional results
- Allows for split-ticket voting
- Encourages broader representation
Disadvantages:
- More complicated system
- Less likely to produce single-party governments
- Creates two tiers of representatives
Vocabulary: The d'Hondt formula is a mathematical method used to allocate seats in proportional representation systems.
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?
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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