When people vote in a democracy, they expect the result of the election to be 'fair.' Is this true in the UK and if not, why not? This book explains how our system of 'first-past-the-post' translates votes into seats and is essential reading at a time of unprecedented electoral uncertainty.

Ron Johnston was Professor of Geography in the School of Geographical Sciences at the University of Bristol
Charles Pattie is Professor of Politics at the University of Sheffield
David Rossiter is now an independent researcher, having previously held posts at several British universities

Preface
1 Introduction
2 Representation: of whom, what and where?
3 Creating an electoral system: 1832-1918
4 Consolidating the system: 1930-2010
5 The 2011 legislation: major changes?
6 How representative is our democracy?
7 Does it have to be this way?
8 Conclusion
Notes
Index