Electoral Systems: UK & US compared

Critically assess the electoral systems operating in the US presidential elections and the UK general elections

Both the UK and US use a majoritarian electoral system. This means one party will always hold the majority and because they use variations of the First Past the Post (fptp) system there is always a ‘winner takes all’ aspect. The fptp system in the UK works by the public voting for a candidate of their choice within their constituency, whichever party wins the most constituencies wins the majority. It is similar in the US where the main presidential candidates aim to win the most delegates in each state.

There are many benefits to these systems. Firstly; it tends to lead to a stable, single party Government which is particularly significant to the UK where terms are not fixed. This leads to greater unity within both Countries and avoids defragmentation and the possibility of change and the Government being seen as unstable.

Also, it discourages extremist parties this is because the fptp system favours only the two main parties and third parties will rarely gain any influence.

The link between the legislature and the constituency is stronger because the legislature is made up of elected representatives. This makes it easier to hold individuals to account and enhances democracy. This point is particularly important in America.

Finally, it is a simple system and makes things easier; it has been used for a very long time. Voter’s find it easy to understand.

However there are also many problems with the systems used. Such as; ...

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Also, it discourages extremist parties this is because the fptp system favours only the two main parties and third parties will rarely gain any influence.

Finally, it is a simple system and makes things easier; it has been used for a very long time. Voter’s find it easy to understand.

However there are also many problems with the systems used. Such as; the system is very disproportional and third parties are largely discriminated against using this system. Seats are awarded not directly proportionally to the results of the vote.

Also, proportional representation (pr) systems are becoming more popular. For example; devolved Governments in the UK have introduced an aspect of pr into their electoral systems. Both in American and the UK the public seem to be in favour of a fairer more modern option.

Finally, representatives only need a very small amount of votes to become elected. An example of this is; George Galloway who only gained 18.4% of the votes in his constituency but won a seat in the House of Commons. This is unrepresentative of popular opinion.

Another aspect to electoral systems are how the public feel about them. In the US there has been no major push for any sort of reform and complaints about the system used are rarely made. However in the UK there has recently been a huge push for reform as pr systems are used in devolved Governments and Europe. This push has mainly come from third parties and their supporters.

One last point to consider are the alternatives available. There is little pressure in the US for a reform, the constitution would have to be amended in order for a reform of the electoral college to take place.

Pr may not work as the conditions in the US and UK are different to places such as Europe. In order for pr to be effective there would need to be clear societal divisions and this is currently not an issue for the UK or the US.

Extremist groups would be able to gain representation and power which could lead to Governmental crisis if they were to gain power within the legislature.

Finally there is the possibility for coalition Governments which has happened in Scotland under a pr system. There is a less obvious and clear cut majority winner which leads to a less stable Government.

In conclusion, this assessment of the electoral systems has led me to believe that although they are unfair and perhaps do not enhance democracy like a pr system would, they are the most effective systems to have in the two countries and a reform is unnecessary. However, I do believe that the UK has a bigger case for an electoral reform as it is what the public currently want.

Hollee Mason 13AJD