Chapter 7 Self-check questions

. What is the main reason why elections are important to the process of governance in the UK?

Because they are indications of what voters think about different policies.

Because they prevent certain groups in society from being underrepresented and protect their interests.

Because they determine and legitimize political leaders in the UK.

Because they determine the composition of the House of Commons and who will be prime minister.

. Which of the following pieces of legislation set regular intervals of five years between General Elections?

The Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011

The Triennial Act 1694

The Septennial Act 1715

None of the above, but the Conservative party has introduced legislation in attempt to accomplish this.

. Which of the following groups of people are not excluded from voting in a General Election?

Recent convicts of election malpractices

Members of the House of Lords

Those serving prison sentences

Members of the House of Commons

. When was universal suffrage achieved for all adults above the age of 21?

In 1969

In 1928

In 1918

In 1884

. The term 'voter turnout' is often used in analyses of elections; what does it refer to?

The number of people who are able to vote during a general election

The way in which voter's support translates into a percentage support amongst the electorate

The percentage of people in all the population who have voted during an election

The percentage of people, out of those eligible to vote, who vote during a general election

. Why can a low rate of voter turnout be problematic from a democratic point of view?

Because it demonstrates that a large number of the population are not registered to vote.

Because it demonstrates that a large number of the population are ineligible to vote.

Because it demonstrates that a large number of the population are actively not taking part in voting.

Because it allows more socially privileged voters to have a larger say in how the country is run.

. What does it mean to have a system of proportional representation?

It means that a reflective link is created between the number of votes cast, and the number of candidates elected.

It means that a plurality of votes is cast as opposed to an absolute majority.

It means that all geographical constituencies return one representative.

It allows voters to write down both their top candidates, and their second preference, so that votes are not wasted.

. The Westminster model currently relies on a system of first-past-the-post. Why is this electoral system often criticized?

Because of its disproportionality and the relationship between the number of votes cast and the outcome.

Because it creates a tendency towards coalition governments, or weak governments.

Because it creates an incentive for the main political parties to adopt more extreme positions.

Because it is complex and not widely understood.

. Which of the following frequencies characterises the frequency of elections being held for the Northern Irish Assembly?

Every 'half' or two years

Every four years

Every four-year terms on the first Thursday of May

Every five years

. Why was using the Royal Prerogative to trigger a general election deemed controversial?

Because it is unclear whether this power should be exercised by the Prime Minister or by the Monarch.

Because the Fixed Term Parliaments Act made it unlawful to use the Royal Prerogative to dissolve parliament.

Because, in theory, a prime minister may use this power in way that places the monarch in a controversial position.

Because any given Parliament should not sit for longer than five years and the Royal Prerogative can be used to prolong Parliament's sitting period.

. Which of the following legal instruments places spending limits on election campaigns for candidates?

The Corrupt and Illegal Practice Prevention Act 1883

The Representation of the People Act 1983

The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

The Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011

. Which of the following describes the offence of 'treating'?

It covers all forms of placing pressure on voters to make a certain decision.

It refers to the use of threats to coerce voters into making a certain decision.

It entails inhibiting voters from voting in exchange for something.

It refers to using bribery or money to pressure voters into making a certain decision.

. Why does the current electoral system in the UK protect the principle of effectiveness?

Because this system has been ingrained in the UK political culture for a significant amount of time.

Because it increases the likelihood of single-party governments, which are naturally more stable.

Because it ensures that politicians and ministers alone campaign during elections and not civil servants.

Because it ensures the 'highest number of electoral parties' and empowers smaller parties.

. How did the Boundary Commission work when it was first established?

It is a political commission that reviews spending limits on election campaigns.

It is a non-party political commission that reviews how ministers and those in government campaign during a General Election.

It is a non-party political commission that seeks equal size for constituencies.

It is a political commission that ensures campaigns for proportional representations.

. Which of the following political activities is not a formal method through which public authorities can engage with public views?

Joining and participating in a pressure group

Participating in public consultations

Participating in a Citizens' Assembly

Participating in a protest

Chapter 7 Self-check questions

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