Political Science · Government and institutions. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.
An electoral system turns votes into seats. Under first past the post each constituency elects one member, and the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority. Under proportional representation each party's share of seats is close to its share of votes.
Political parties seek to win office. They choose candidates, combine many demands into a programme, form the government or the opposition, and educate voters. Party systems are one-party, two-party or multi-party.
Pressure groups do not seek office. They try to influence those who hold it, on behalf of an interest or a cause. Lobbying is one of their methods: direct contact with legislators and officials to shape decisions.
A majority of seats is not a majority of votes. Under first past the post a party can win most constituencies narrowly and govern with well under half of the national vote.
Answer: A wins with a plurality of 38%, not a majority; 62% of voters chose other candidates.
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