Minority Rule: First Past the Post Voting

Summary

The video script explores the flaws of the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system using the allegory of the Animal Kingdom's elections. It illustrates issues like minority rule, the emergence of a two-party system, gerrymandering, and the spoiler effect. The script highlights how FPTP can lead to unrepresentative governance and disenfranchisement, suggesting alternative voting systems for a more democratic outcome.

Takeaways

• 👑 The script uses the Animal Kingdom as a metaphor to explain the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system.
• 🐅 The queen lioness, representing the monarchy, sets the rules for the new democratic elections, introducing FPTP.
• 📊 FPTP is criticized for being simple but flawed, as it can lead to minority rule, where the majority of voters do not support the winning candidate.
• 🔄 Over time, FPTP tends to evolve into a two-party system, reducing the diversity of political representation.
• 🐢🐍 The script illustrates how strategic voting and the fear of 'wasting' a vote can lead to the elimination of smaller parties.
• 🦉 The example of Owl voters shows how negative campaigning and fear can influence voters to support candidates they are not fully aligned with.
• 🏆 The two-party system that emerges from FPTP often results in a cycle of power between two main contenders, excluding other voices.
• 📉 The script points out that FPTP can lead to voter disinterest and disengagement due to the feeling of having no meaningful impact on the election outcome.
• 🔍 Gerrymandering is introduced as a potential issue in FPTP, where the drawing of voting boundaries can manipulate election results.
• 🐯 The 'Spoiler Effect' is highlighted, where third-party candidates can inadvertently help the candidate they least agree with by splitting the vote.
• 🤔 The queen lioness considers alternative voting systems that could address the issues with FPTP, such as the Alternative Vote, suggesting there are better options available.

Q & A

What is the voting system described as 'First Past the Post' (FPTP)?

The 'First Past the Post' (FPTP) system, also known as 'Winner Take All', is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins the election, regardless of whether they have a majority of the total votes cast.

Why is the FPTP system considered to be problematic in the context of the Animal Kingdom's election?

The FPTP system is problematic because it can lead to minority rule, where the winning candidate may not have the support of the majority of voters. It can also result in an inevitable two-party system over time, reducing the diversity of political representation.

What is the issue of 'minority rule' in the context of the first election in the Animal Kingdom?

The issue of 'minority rule' arises when the winning candidate, in this case, the Leopard, receives only 20% of the votes, yet still wins the election, despite 80% of the voters preferring other candidates.

How does the script illustrate the evolution towards a two-party system in the Animal Kingdom?

The script shows that over several election cycles, smaller parties drop out as they realize they cannot win, and voters begin to strategically vote for the candidate with the best chance of winning, leading to a consolidation around two main parties, Gorilla and Leopard.

What is the impact of strategic voting on the political landscape in the Animal Kingdom?

Strategic voting, where voters choose candidates based on who has the best chance of winning rather than their preferred choice, leads to a reduction in the number of parties and a shift towards a two-party system.

Why do voters from smaller parties like Snake and Turtle decide to drop out of future races?

Voters from smaller parties like Snake and Turtle drop out because they face dismal results and the cost of their campaigns, realizing that their preferred candidates have little to no chance of winning under the FPTP system.

What is the concept of 'gerrymandering' mentioned in the script?

Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating electoral boundaries to favor one party or class over another. In the script, it is used to illustrate how the grouping of voters can influence election outcomes under the FPTP system.

How does the script explain the 'Spoiler Effect' in the context of the FPTP system?

The 'Spoiler Effect' is when a third-party candidate takes votes away from a similar candidate, thereby ensuring a win for the party they least prefer. In the script, the entry of Tiger as a third-party candidate splits the vote with Leopard, leading to a win for Gorilla.

What does the Queen Lioness consider as the criteria for a good voting system?

The Queen Lioness considers a good voting system to be one where voters can vote for their most preferred candidate without worry, one that offers more choice in representatives, is not susceptible to gerrymandering, and is open to new political parties.

What alternative voting system is hinted at by the Queen Lioness as a potential solution to the problems with FPTP?

The Queen Lioness hints at the 'Alternative Vote' system as a potential solution to the problems with FPTP, suggesting it could offer a more representative and fair voting method.

What is the significance of the Queen Lioness's role in observing and contemplating the election system?

The Queen Lioness's role is significant as she represents a figure of authority who is capable of enacting change. Her observation and contemplation of the election system suggest that there may be a shift towards a more representative and fair voting method in the future.