GCSE: Politics
- Peer Reviewed essays 6
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'First-past-the-post should be replaced as a method of electing political representatives.' Discuss.
5 star(s)Some of the advantages of using FPTP as a method of electing political representatives are; there is very little chance of drastic parties being elected to Parliament under FPTP because they are unlikely to gain enough votes in any one constituency. Generally the results of elections using FPTP can be calculated quickly. When necessary, this makes the transfer of power from one party to another much easier. The 1997 and 2001 elections were clear evidence of this. It gives rise to a consistent parliamentary opposition.
- Word count: 1457
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Evaluate the case for using Referenda to decide important issues in the UK
4 star(s)The second type of democracy is 'representative democracy'. Representative democracy is indirect government by the people through representatives elected by the people. In the UK there are 658 constituencies each having their own representatives. People within those constituencies vote for both general and bi elections and depending on which party won in the constituency an MP for a party will go through. Referenda falls under the category of 'direct democracy'. There are many advantages of holding a referendum; one of these is that referendums seek the opinion of the public of whom the matters will affect. This means that the public will have a fair representation on matters.
- Word count: 1061
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Describe the process by which MPs are elected to Westminster. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the First past the Post system? The Parliament in UK
4 star(s)In a national election those who wish to fight an election must register to do so. When the election takes place, for example in a by-election for a constituency MP, the person who gains the most votes within that constituency wins the seat. Sometimes however if the votes are tight the opposing candidates may ask for a recount. FPTP is known for being a cheap, simple and fast form of an electorate system. The voter simply needs to make one choice on the ballot papers which are usually counted within the next 12 hours.
- Word count: 871
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To what extent has New Labour abandoned traditional Labour values?
4 star(s)There were however, significant constraints on the way to achieving drastic changes. An attempt to modernise the Party was in need to change policies which were formulated based on values which the party was actually based and founded upon. The changes that were proposed by Tony Blair and those who shared his views were in clear contrast with the Socialist ideology on which the Labour Party had originated from. The proposed changes also sought to prevent the Trade Unions- another main source of the Party's origins- from having any further influence in the Labour Party.
- Word count: 927
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Evaluate the case for using referenda to decide important issues in the UK
3 star(s)Referendums should give a clear answer to a question however there are often problems with this. Referendums are also the most direct form of democracy as the people's views are clearly represented and help to make political decisions more legitimate. This leads to a better chance of the people accepting the decision if they feel that they have had a direct input in the decision making. Referendums could also prevent governments from enacting unpopular decisions if they receive a 'no' vote, such as in the 2004 referendum for regional governments in North-East England.
- Word count: 1173
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What have been the effects of the use of proportional electoral systems in the UK?
3 star(s)If a majoritarian or first past the post system was implemented in Northern Ireland, this would result in only a catholic or protestant MP being elected per constituency, which would cause obvious community ruptures. This would also influence the party selected to run the country. For example, it was calculated that if the first past the post system was implemented in Northern Ireland the protestant associated Unionist party would gain a majority and thus form government. Also, the system is more proportional than the first past the post system since all votes are largely of equal value.
- Word count: 1070