Take this Exam: A-Level Politics: Elections and Voting Systems | Zestly

Question 1

An election report shows that turnout among voters aged 18 to 24 was 35 per cent, while overall turnout was 65 per cent. What is the most accurate inference one can draw from this data?

Accepted Answer

The data indicates a lower level of participation among this specific age group compared to the average, but does not explain the underlying reasons.

Answer

The low turnout proves that the electoral system is failing to represent the interests of young people.

Answer

The data shows that young people are satisfied with the status quo and therefore do not feel the need to vote.

Answer

The low turnout among younger voters proves that they are apathetic towards the political process.

Question 2

A parliament holds an advisory referendum on a major constitutional principle. The public votes 60 per cent in favour of the proposal. What is the legal and political status of this result?

Accepted Answer

The result is advisory in law, but it carries significant political weight that makes it difficult for the government to ignore.

Answer

The result is legally binding, and the government must implement it immediately.

Answer

The result is advisory in law, but the government can ignore it without any political consequences.

Answer

The result is legally binding, but the government can choose to ignore it if they wish.

Question 3

Group A has regular, formal access to government ministers and civil servants for policy consultations. Group B relies on public demonstrations, media campaigns, and social media mobilisation to influence policy. How are these groups classified, and what determines their success?

Accepted Answer

Group A is an insider group and Group B is an outsider group; success depends on the group's goals, resources, and the government's receptiveness.

Answer

Group A is an outsider group and Group B is an insider group; success depends solely on the number of members in the group.

Answer

Group A is an insider group and Group B is an outsider group; success is determined entirely by which group has more financial funding.

Answer

Group A is an outsider group and Group B is an insider group; success is determined by the group's ability to threaten the government with strikes.

Question 4

In Legislature X, two parties have held almost all seats for decades. In Legislature Y, four parties regularly hold seats, and no party has governed alone for years. Which terms describe these systems, and what is the role of the electoral system?

Answer

Legislature X is a multi-party system and Legislature Y is a two-party system; the electoral system has no impact on this.

Answer

Legislature X is a proportional system and Legislature Y is a majoritarian system; the electoral system is the only factor that matters.

Answer

Legislature X is a two-party system and Legislature Y is a multi-party system; the electoral system is a significant factor in shaping these outcomes.

Answer

Legislature X is a coalition system and Legislature Y is a single-party system; the electoral system is irrelevant to these outcomes.

Question 5

A set of national votes is cast, and the seat outcome is calculated under a majoritarian system and a proportional system. The majoritarian system produces a single-party government, while the proportional system results in a coalition. What does this comparison demonstrate?

Answer

It shows that the majoritarian system is objectively fairer than the proportional system.

Answer

It shows that electoral systems are choices that prioritise different values, such as government stability versus representativeness.

Answer

It shows that the proportional system is inherently flawed because it cannot produce a single-party government.

Answer

It shows that the vote count is irrelevant because the electoral system determines the result regardless of the votes cast.