Memes about Electoral Systems

This week I started covering a new unit in Politics about electoral systems. This is usually a difficult unit to cover, particularly because it is less about engagement in politics (such as protest groups) and more about functional aspects. However, electoral systems are incredibly important, because different systems can bring about different outcomes. Some have very positive aspects, but also incredible weaknesses.

So far we have covered key terms – such as majoritarian and plurality systems – as well as completed a closer focus on the advantages and disadvantages of FPTP. For example, advantages which include providing clear winners (generally speaking… bar 2010 and 2017 in the UK) and stable governments, but also disadvantages which include disproportionate outcomes (such as the 2024 general election when Labour achieved 33% of the vote but ended up obtaining two-thirds of seats in Parliament).

The next step is for students to create their own research and presentations into other political systems, such as PR, AMS, SV, and AV. In the meantime, I will attempt to impress – or distress – them with my newly formed memes about electoral systems…