Comparing Electoral Systems

Start with the systems

The “Electoral Systems” flashcard deck is a useful starting point. It names systems including First Past the Post, STV, the Additional Member System and Alternative Vote. Its cards include descriptions of First Past the Post, such as its majoritarian character and the potential for tactical voting.

After looking through the cards, use “Majoritarian vs. Proportional” as a mind map to organize the comparison. Keep the system names beside you as you work, so you can connect each one with the terms in the map.

Compare advantages and effects

The “Advantages and disadvantages of electoral systems” flashcard decks offer prompts on the advantages and disadvantages of several systems. Use the prompts to practice explaining a point before checking the card. Then return to your comparison and add the points you want to remember.

The “Impact of proportional/hybrid systems” mind map brings together points including proportionality, multi-party systems, coalition and minority governments, split-ticket voting and constituency links. It also lists complexity and turnout. Use these headings to organize your notes on different possible effects.

Practice an evaluation

One mind map asks whether some electoral systems are superior to others. Its accompanying note begins by considering ways to measure superiority and discusses First Past the Post and the Additional Member System. Another mind map asks about fair representation and includes the representation of small parties.

Start with a question, choose a measure for your comparison and use the listed material to structure your response. There are no quizzes listed on this page, so the flashcard prompts offer a way to practice recall alongside the maps.

Place the topic in the unit

Comparing Electoral Systems is a section of the Electoral Systems unit in Political science. The resources on this page let you move from identifying systems to comparing their features and considering outcomes. Choose a mind map and a flashcard deck to work through together.