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Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive

The Northern Ireland Assembly is designed to ensure that the different political communities in Northern Ireland are fairly represented through a power-sharing arrangement. Which of the following electoral systems is used to elect the members (MLAs) to the Assembly?

  1. A system of proportional representationAnswer
  2. B
    The first-past-the-post system used for UK General Elections
  3. C
    A system where ministerial appointments are made only by the Monarch
  4. D
    A non-elected system based on selections from local councils

Answer

The Northern Ireland Assembly uses a system of proportional representation for its elections.
The system of proportional representation is used for elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure that the political and community diversity of Northern Ireland is accurately reflected in its 90 members (MLAs). This supports the mandatory power-sharing structure established by the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific institution mentioned.
The Northern Ireland Assembly.
The question focuses on how members of this specific devolved body are chosen.
2
Recall the electoral method for Northern Ireland as stated in the official handbook.
Proportional representation.
This method is used to ensure cross-community representation and power-sharing within the Assembly.

Key Concept

The electoral system for the Northern Ireland Assembly
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive