UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system?

1. A system where a vote can be transferred to other candidates based on preference

2. A voting method that only recognizes first-choice votes

3. An electoral system that eliminates the weak candidates first

4. A system that ensures all votes are counted equally without transfers

The correct answer is: A system where a vote can be transferred to other candidates based on preference

The primary characteristic of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system is that it allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and if their most preferred candidate does not need the vote to win or cannot win, their vote can be transferred to their next preferred candidate. This system ensures that votes are utilized more efficiently, as it maximizes the representation of voters' preferences by allowing for the transfer of votes based on a hierarchy of choices. This preference-based structure facilitates proportional representation and can lead to more varied and satisfactory electoral outcomes, reflecting a broader spectrum of voter opinions. The other choices do not capture the essence of STV: the voting method described in the second option does not allow for the ranking of choices and is overly simplistic. Eliminating weak candidates first is a feature of some voting systems, but it does not inherently define STV which focuses on the transfer of votes, rather than outright elimination. Finally, ensuring all votes are counted equally without transfers misrepresents STV's function of transferring votes to reflect voter preferences more accurately, which is crucial to its design and effectiveness.