First Past the Post Flashcards
How does FPTP create a strong link between constituency and candidate?
FPTP means that constituents vote for a candidate on the ballot paper, as one MP is chosen from each area the constituents are in no doubt as to who is their representative in Westminster. It is also more likely that the candidate will live, be from or have close ties with that area and the needs of that area.
What is an example of FPTP creating a stronger link between constituency and candidate?
Angus MacDonald holds surgeries to meet with his constituents on the Isle of Skye in community centres.
How does FPTP cause smaller parties to not be well representated?
The FPTP system means that there is no reward for coming second, third or fourth in a constituency. This means that smaller parties, who are more likely to not come first, will not get people elected. As their votes are spread out across different areas, they can receive a large number of votes but not get any candidates elected.
What is an example of smaller parties not being represented by FPTP?
For example, Reform UK have 5 MPS, despite getting 14% of the vote share.
How does FPTP create a majority government?
As FPTP favours the larger parties (as their votes are concentrated in certain areas and they are more likely to come first in certain areas) the larger parties will gain more MP’s using this system. As they will gain more MP’s they are more likely to get over the 326 (just over half of the 650 available) MP’s required to form a majority government.
What is an example of FPTP creating a majority governmenT?
There have been very few minority governments, in the last few decades there has only really been in 2010 and 2017.
