Maths in economics, finance and society · Solid · Dissertation

Which voting system is fairest?: a maths EPQ idea

Why it works as an EPQ

Arrow's theorem says no system is perfect, so you must choose criteria and weigh trade-offs, which is the heart of an EPQ.

Scope and difficulty

Solid. Solid. Three systems, three criteria, simulated and real elections.

The maths

Builds on these A Level topics: Probability · Proof.

You would learn:

• Preference profiles
• Fairness criteria
• Arrow's impossibility theorem (statement)

Learning maths beyond the course is expected in a maths EPQ, but you must understand and explain everything you use.

One possible plan

1. Define three systems and run them on small examples.
2. Choose fairness criteria and test each system.
3. Simulate elections and measure how often each criterion fails.
4. Reach a reasoned verdict.

Pitfalls

• Party-political argument instead of analysis.
• Claiming to prove Arrow's theorem.

Where to start reading

• Search for: Arrow's impossibility theorem simple explanation
• Search for: Condorcet paradox example

Prefer books, lecture notes, journal articles and official data to a single website, and record every source as you read (how to reference).

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All maths in economics, finance and society ideas · all 93 ideas

Your EPQ must be your own work. These pages coach: ideas, structure, checklists and planning. Submitting text, proofs, code or analysis written by someone else or by an AI tool as your own is malpractice. How to use help and AI honestly.