Electoral Systems: 10 Mark Exam style Questions

1b) Describe the main features of a General Election.

The most important feature of a General Election is to form government. The party that achieves an
overall majority of MPs within a general election is invited by the monarch to form government, and
its leader become Prime minister for a term of 5 years. For instance, during the 1997 General
Election, the Labour party achieved a parliament majority of 173 seats despite inning 43% of the
vote enabling them to from government and Tony Blair to be declared leader. Once in power the
government has a right to deliver its manifesto commitment that is approved by the public and
parliament, and its MPs.

Another important feature of General Elections is the ability to ensure fair representation. By Being
chosen by the people politicians take into account public opinion and act within interest of the
people and its fellow supporters. For example, the academics Act (2010) was passed so the
conservative government can fulfil its manifesto pledge on establishing free schools. However, in
recent years it has been criticised how for politicians and cabinet ministers represent people. For
example, during the 2017 general election Theresa May ran what was regraded as a ‘poor
campaign’: failure to turn up for TV appearance, as well as making U-turns on key policies (Dementia
Tax). This narrowed the gap between the two leaders (Corbyn).

Finally, another feature of General Elections is to maintain democratic legitimacy. Governments are
legitimate because they have the ‘right to rule’ in other words peoples/voters’ consent to govern.
Therefore, elections give legitimacy to the winning party, as citizens give their consent to the system.
However, this can be criticised especially during recent years where the government tend to win the
support of 30-40% of the electorate with support in the regions of 60-65%. This calls into question
how far the government majority is based upon the interest of the people. For example, since 97
election turnouts have not exceeded beyond 71% of the vote suggesting high levels of disparities
and apathy and people are not bothered to vote-especially during the 2010 Election which had
produced a hung parliament.

2. Explain, with examples, the workings of referendums in the UK.

A referendum is a vote upon a single issue that it put to a public ballot by the government. One of
the most important functions of a referendum is to establish directly elected mayoral positions. For
instance, by 2016, 52 referendum have been held on whether we should move to a directly elected
mayoral model. Only 16 approved of the move. Referendums enable the government and the public
to approve or reject structural changes to the government, as well as authorise local policies.

Another important function of a referendum is due to constitutional changes. For instance, the Blair
government held referendums to approve their proposals for constitutional change, particularly
devolution. For instance, the Scottish devolution referendum in 1997. The function of referendums
once again allows the government to make (approve/reject) structural changes to the way in which
the government is run, authorise polices and act upon the interest of the people.

The third most important function of a referendum in the UK is to establish neighbourhood plans.
The local Act (2011) requires local authorities to hold referendum on neighbourhood plans for
housing development. By the end of 2015, 126 referendums have been held all approving the move.
This is legitimate as it allows the government to pass key legislation that reflect the will of the
electorate/people within the constituencies. However, these referedums normally average around
33% of the vote-This calls into question the effectiveness of these referendums as not all people are
represented.

Finally, the most important function to hold a referendum in the UK is partially due to political
pressure, as well as the political climate. For instance, the momentum for a Scottish independence
referendum become unstoppable following the SNP’s victory during the 2011 Scottish parliament
election as a referendum was held on this issue. In addition, the rise of UKIP and media campaign for
a vote for an EU referendum also influence Cameron’s decision to hold a referendum as it remained
in one of his manifesto commitments during 2015. Therefore, political pressure is effective as it
ensures representation and legitimacy as people give their consent to the system/their right to vote
(proportional).