Match each electoral system on the left with its defining feature or operational mechanism on the right.
- First-Past-The-Post (Simple Plurality)The candidate with the highest number of valid votes wins, regardless of whether an absolute majority is attained.
- Proportional RepresentationLegislative seats are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of total votes cast nationwide or by district.
- Second Ballot (Run-off) SystemA second election is conducted between the leading candidates if no contestant secures an absolute majority in the first round.
- Alternative Vote (Preferential System)Voters rank candidates by preference on a single ballot, and lower-ranked candidate votes are redistributed until a winner reaches an absolute majority.
Answer
First-Past-The-Post pairs with winning by simple plurality without needing an absolute majority; Proportional Representation pairs with allocating legislative seats based on party vote percentage; Second Ballot System pairs with holding a run-off election when no absolute majority is met in the first round; Alternative Vote pairs with voters ranking candidates on a single ballot with preference redistribution.
Each electoral system is correctly matched to its defining characteristic: First-Past-The-Post awards victory to the candidate with the highest votes regardless of absolute majority; Proportional Representation allocates seats according to party vote shares; Second Ballot requires a run-off round if no absolute majority is achieved in round one; and Alternative Voting utilizes preferential ranking on a single ballot.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Core mechanics and structural differences among major electoral systems (Plurality, Proportional Representation, Run-off, and Preferential Voting).