First Past the Post Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of First Past the Post

?

First Past the Post Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Know who the government is straight after the election
  • Strong, stable, single-party governments
  • Can reflect the tide of popular opinion (reflects the countries desire to change direction)
  • Close relationships between MP and constituency
  • Easily Understood

Disadvantages

  • Do not represent the views of the electorate as a whole
  • Not proportional
  • Harsh on smaller parties
  • Encourages under-representation of 'minority' groups

Evaluation

This is not an evaluation, just facts:In 2011 there was a referendum which asked the British electorate if they would like to change from First Past the Post (FPTP) to Alternative Vote (AV). Of the 41% who actually turned up to vote 68% voted no and that they wanted to stick with FPTP. FPTP is used in Britain's general elections.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Government & Politics resources:

See all Government & Politics resources »See all UK electoral systems resources »