UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Which voting system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference for a single position?

1. Supplementary Vote (SV)

2. Single Transferable Vote (STV)

3. Majority Vote

4. Block Vote

The correct answer is: Supplementary Vote (SV)

The voting system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference for a single position is the Supplementary Vote (SV). In this system, voters express their first and second preferences among the candidates. If no candidate secures a majority of first-choice votes, all but the top two candidates are eliminated, and the second-choice votes of the eliminated candidates are then counted, helping to ensure that the eventual winner has broader support among the electorate. This system is specifically designed for single-member electoral areas, meaning that it is used to elect one individual at a time. The ranking of preferences makes it a method that balances between simplicity and the desire for a more representative outcome. The other systems mentioned operate under different principles or are designed for different electoral contexts. For instance, the Single Transferable Vote (STV) is used in multi-member constituencies and allows voters to rank candidates as well but is not limited to a single position. Majority Vote does not involve ranking, as it typically requires a candidate to receive more than 50% of the votes to win outright. The Block Vote system is used in multi-member districts as well, where voters can cast as many votes as there are seats available, which does not incorporate ranking preferences either.