FIRST PAST THE POST

Question 1

What is First Past the Post/Plurality

Answer 1

A simple majority is needed to win.
Electors choose one candidate from those listed on the ballot paper

Question 2

Countries which use the First Past the Post/Plurarlity system

Answer 2

Australia, New Zealand, Ireland

Question 3

Advantages of the First Past the Post

Answer 3

• Simple to vote.
• Quick and easy to count (no complicated calculations).

Supports majority rule in that the winner of the election has won the majority of electorates

Question 4

Disadvatages of First Past the Post

Answer 4

• FPP creates a two-party system where minor parties rarely win seats in parliament. Votes for minor parties are ‘wasted’.
• Vote splitting can occur, where two parties promote similar policies, splitting the people who support these policies in half. A third, less popular party might, therefore, end up with more votes that the first two.