FPTP

Question 1

When was the last time the winning party in the general election won more than 50% of votes casts?

Answer 1

1935

Question 2

In 2005 how many votes did Labour poll (+%)?

Answer 2

9.6 million 35.2%

Question 3

in 2005 what was the percentage of votes won by the Labour government and what percentage of the population?

Answer 3

• 35.2%

- 21.6%

Question 4

What is an inconsistent inherent negative under FPTP highlighted by 2005 and 2010 voting polls?

Answer 4

2005
Labour won 35.2% of popular vote
65 seat Commons majority

2010
Conservatives won 36.1% of popular vote
fell short of majority by 20 seats

Question 5

In Liverpool Walton 2010 how many votes from 34,332 cast were wasted?

Answer 5

29,440

Question 6

How were the governments of 1950,1951 and Feb 1974 seen as illegitimate to some?

Answer 6

the winning party gained fewer votes nationally than the party that ended up forming opposition

Question 7

How many seats changed hands between 2005-2010?

Answer 7

117 seats

Question 8

What are the 4 reasons in favour of FPTP?

Answer 8

• Part of tradition
• Cheap and easy to operate for voters
• Single-member constituency allows for a MP-consitiuency link
• Produces strong, majority governments , coalition less likely

Question 9

What are the 4 reasons against FPTP?

Answer 9

• Distorts popular vote
• Provides little voter choice therefore wasted votes
• disadvantage to small parties such as Lib-Dems
• Results in adversarial politics