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Proportional Representation

Proportional Representation.

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Proportional Representation

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  1. Proportional Representation • ‘’ As concern about the effects of the electoral system mounted in the 1980s, various political parties in opposition and wider public opinion began to change towards how elections might be held in the future. Parties like the Liberal Democrats support change while Labour support FPTP as it suits their needs’’.

  2. What is PR? • It is a name given to a number of voting systems - the aim of each system is to allocate seats according to the number of votes gained by a party. • We will study 3 major types of voting systems - Additional Member System, List systems and the Single Transferable vote. Each form of PR has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

  3. Why do people want to replace FPTP with PR? • In the last two general elections FPTP has created many problems - people argue that PR would be fairer and solve these difficulties. • The question of proportion is one which has repeatedly caused criticism of the FPTP system - this is why PR has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

  4. Why would PR be better? • It would give a fair number of seats to all parties and not just the ‘big two’. As you know Labour usually win 60% of seats based on only roughly 40% of the vote • Liberal Democrats would gain a fairer, higher number of seats - vote is not reflective of the wishes of the electorate. For example in 2001 the Liberals won 23 seats but gained 25% of the vote.

  5. Why would PR be better? • FPTP can also cause problems for the two parties. In 1997 the Conservative Party gained 17% of the vote in Scotland but won no seats. This could lead to the argument that votes are being wasted - PR would not do this. • PR would give voters more choice and they may feel that their vote might not be wasted?

  6. Why would PR be better? • Voter turnout is falling - is this due to the problems created by FPTP? Voters may see no point in voting in an area where Labour have a massive majority - their vote for Liberal Democrats may not count. PR may lead to an increase in voter turnout as it is fairer. • Voters should be given a real choice where every vote is seen to count.

  7. Why would PR be better? • Views of Minority groups and parties may be better represented. • Will place more pressure on ‘big two’ parties as PR may take votes away from them • May lessen the majority held by the Labour Party and make them more accountable.

  8. What might the exam ask? • Advantages and Disadvantages of PR and each system. • FPTP - what is wrong with it and what could PR change.? • Recent elections - what do they show about FPTP and why it needs changed? • Advantages and disadvantages of FPTP

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