Replacing FPTP

Question 1

Question

Answer 1

Evaluate the view that the performance of other electoral systems in the UK has made the case for replacing FPTP.

Question 2

Factors

Answer 2

• Producing strong and stable government.
• Representation V MP-constituent link
• Political apathy

Question 3

Judgement

Answer 3

We shouldn’t replace FPTP.

Question 4

Weaker argument - strong/stable government.

Answer 4

→ Under AMS Scotland and Wales have always had a stable government since the devolution to power to their Parliaments.
→ You can create a majority government using an alternative system - in 2011 the SNP won a massive majority in Holyrood.

Question 5

Stronger argument - strong/stable government.

Answer 5

→ Since 1945 there has only been 1 coalition in Westminster.
→ Using FPTP - in the 2024 General Election Labour won 411 seats making them a very strong government.
→ In 2019 Northern Ireland was recorded as the country with the longest period without a government - using STV which is the most proportional system in use in the UK.
→ AMS: In Scotland there has only been one majority government. Wales has never had a majority government.

Question 6

Weaker argument - representation

Answer 6

→ Labour won 411 seats with 34% of the vote, whilst Reform won only 5 seats with 14% of the vote - 2024.
→ The SNP have often formed coalitions with Green - more representative.
→ In Northern Ireland the use of STV means that no one party ever dominates the Assembly - this is part of the Good Friday Agreement in which neither Unionists or Nationalists are allowed to dominate the Assembly - part of peace agreement.

Question 7

Stronger argument - MP-constituent link

Answer 7

→ AMS: in Scotland there are 8 regional seats and 73 MP, in Wales there are 5 regions and 40 constituency votes. However, this means that there is no clear MP-constituency link established and people may be confused as to who they turn to with a concern.
→ In STV you vote for a in order of preference rather than one specific candidate meaning that you may be unsure as to who represents you.
→ Under FPTP there is representation as MPs can speak in the behalf of their constituents during PMQs and Question time providing a link between the electorate and Parliament - e.g. In July 2024, Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, raised a concern about pollution in the River Evenlode, which flows through his constituency.

Question 8

Weaker argument - political apathy

Answer 8

→ Turnout 2024 election - 60% - using FPTP
→ The 2021 Scottish election had a turnout of 63% - using AMS.
→ Turnout in the 2022 Northern Ireland election was 63% - using STV.

Question 9

Stronger argument - political apathy

Answer 9

→ Explanation of 2024 - Partygate, Matt Hancock cheating, Brexit. Explanation of 2001 - Tony Blair’s popularity.
→ In Wales under AMS turnout has never reached 50% - highest turnout is 47%.
→ In Northern Ireland turnout has never been higher than 63%.
→ Highest rate of turnout under FPTP was 83%.