Representative Democracy?: Geography and the British Electoral System

Members of Parliament in the UK are elected to represent geographic constituencies, but how these are defined and what consequences this has for democracy are explored in this book. The system was initially designed to restrain the power of monarchs but evolved to serve their interests and political parties. The traditional pattern of constituencies is being replaced by one that elevates numbers above community, leading to disproportional and biased election results. The book concludes with a consideration of alternatives to first-past-the-post.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 12 January 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom are elected to represent specific geographic constituencies, a fundamental aspect of the country's democratic system. However, the process of defining and understanding these constituencies is complex and multifaceted. In this comprehensive new survey, we delve into the historical evolution of parliamentary representation in the UK, from its early roots in the thirteenth century to the present day.

Initially, the system of parliamentary representation was designed to restrict the power of monarchs and ensure that the interests of the people were represented. Over time, however, it gradually evolved to serve the interests of political parties and, later, the independent process for revising the constituency map. This settlement, established in the twentieth century, aimed to create a more fair and representative electoral system.

However, the traditional pattern of constituencies representing communities is now under pressure, as the slogan of "making votes equal" has led to the introduction of a new regime that prioritizes the number of seats over community representation. While this approach promises fairness, the authors argue that it is destined to fail in addressing the disproportional and biased election results that have long been a feature of UK politics.

The book concludes with a detailed consideration of the ways in which various parts of the UK have embraced alternatives to first-past-the-post voting systems over the last two decades. This serves as a timely reminder that the needs of political parties do not always coincide with those of the electors, and that there is a need for ongoing discussions and reforms to ensure that the democratic process remains fair, representative, and accountable to the people.

In conclusion, the process of defining and understanding parliamentary constituencies in the UK is a complex and multifaceted issue that has undergone significant changes over the centuries. While the traditional pattern of constituencies representing communities is under pressure, there is a need for ongoing discussions and reforms to ensure that the democratic process remains fair, representative, and accountable to the people.

\n Weight: 300g\n
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526139894\n \n