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Difficulty: HardThe 21st Century and Recent Events

In May 20112011, a UK-wide referendum was held regarding the electoral system used to choose Members of Parliament (MPs) for the House of Commons. What was the outcome of this referendum?

  1. The proposal to replace the 'First Past the Post' system with the 'Alternative Vote' system was rejected.Answer
  2. B
    The 'Alternative Vote' system was approved by a narrow majority of 52%52\% of the voters.
  3. C
    Voters approved a move to a 'Proportional Representation' system for all UK general elections.
  4. D
    The referendum granted the National Assembly for Wales the power to pass laws in all 2020 devolved areas.

Answer

The correct answer is that the proposal to replace the 'First Past the Post' system with the 'Alternative Vote' system was rejected by the voters.
In May 20112011, the UK held its first national referendum of the 21st century regarding the voting system for the House of Commons. The proposal was to switch from 'First Past the Post' to the 'Alternative Vote' (AV). The result was a clear rejection of the change, meaning the existing system was maintained.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific date and scope of the referendum mentioned.
May 20112011, UK-wide.
This distinguishes it from the March 20112011 Welsh referendum.
2
Recall the specific subject of the May 20112011 national vote.
The 'Alternative Vote' (AV) system for electing MPs.
The official handbook identifies this as the specific proposal for the electoral reform referendum.
3
Determine the outcome of the vote based on historical facts.
The proposal was rejected.
Voters chose to retain the 'First Past the Post' system.

Key Concept

Constitutional referendums and electoral reform in the 21st century
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The 21st Century and Recent Events

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