Electoral Systems in the UK

Electoral Systems

In this course, Professor David Denver (University of Lancaster) examines the electoral systems in operation across the United Kingdom. We begin by thinking about the basic functions that an electoral system performs before briefly introducing the main electoral systems used in the UK. We then consider first past the post (FPTP), focusing in particular on the importance of constituencies and the advantages and disadvantages of the system. Finally, we explore the proportional electoral systems used in the UK, such as the alternative member system (AMS), single transferable vote (STV), and supplementary vote (SV).

Electoral Systems in the UK

In this module, we consider the functions performed by electoral systems and then go on to think about the different electoral systems which exist in the UK, focusing in particular on: (i) first past the post (FPTP); (ii) additional member system (AMS) or mixed-member proportional representation (MMP); (iii) single transferable vote (STV); and (iv) supplementary vote (SV).