reasons to keep FPTP Flashcards
1
Q
strong and accountable government?
A
- has traditionally produced clear and decisive results enabling one party to govern a decent majority in the commons
- eg, from 1979-2010 the tories and labour were able to dominate govts for lengthy periods
- however in 2010 and 2017 the results were less conclusive, resulting in a hung parliament where no one party had an overall majority
- the 2019 tory victory could be seen as a return to a pattern of strong single governments
2
Q
local links?
A
- FPTP scores highly here as it provides every constituency with its own MP whose role is to represent all voters and look after their interests
- Many MP’s enjoy a high profile in their local area and are directly accountable to their constituents at election time
3
Q
Comprehensibility and transparency?
A
- It is simple to understand and straightforward to operate
- It customarily provides a clear and quick result soon after the election
