FPTP 12 Marker Flashcards
Simple - Point
One strength of FPTP is it’s simple to understand at local events
Simple - Explain
Electorate have simple choice between candidates that are standing for election
When people vote they simply choose candidate of their choice & person with most votes wins seat in parliament
Simple - Example
In Central Ayrshire, Phillipa Whitford won almost 5,000 more votes than nearest rival making her clear winner
Simple - Analysis
Effective, well deserved
Tactical Voting - Point
Weakness is simplicity leads to tactical voting
Tactical Voting - Explain
System being “winner takes all” means people often need to vote tactically
Voters look at who’s likely to win & decide if they want to vote for them or person most likely to defeat them
Tactical Voting - Example
Many in Central Ayrshire supported Cons candidate as they were most likely to defeat SNP simply because they’re against independence, not because they like the Cons
Tactical Voting - Analysis
Not effective, only elected as they didn’t want rival elected
Strong Gov - Point
Another strength is it leads to strong governments
Strong Gov - Explain
System tends to give more seats to party with highest % of votes
Allows them to govern easier & pass laws without much opposition as long as party MPs stay loyal
Strong Gov - Example
Since 1945 only 3 governments that didn’t have a majority of seats after an election
Strong Gov - Analysis
Effective, laws can be passed easier
Minority of Support - Point
Weakness, always rules with minority of support
Minority of Support - Explain
System means parties have a majority of MPs in parliament to do as they wish they’re limited as they’ve fewer MPs than winning party
Minority of Support - Example
No gov won 50% of vote since 1930s in election yet almost always has power to do as they wish with a majority in parliament
