First Past the Post

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  • Created by: Georgina
  • Created on: 09-10-16 16:49

First Past the Post

Advantages

  • Votes are simple to count
  • Votes are quick to count
  • The voter can clearly indicate who they want to rule the country
  • In the UK, this tends to produce a two-party system with a single-party government
  • This encourages centrist policies as candidates want to appeal to the most voters as possible

Disadvantages

  • You can get elected win very small amounts of support
  • You can win the election without getting the most votes (just the most seats)
  • This encourages tactical voting
  • The majority of votes have no impact
  • Restricts voter choice (one candidate per party - no choice)
  • Supports parties with concentrated support ('safe seats')

Evaluation

FPTP is used to elect the UK Parliament (General Election).How does it work?1. Voting takes place in constituencies that elect a single MP2. Voters put a cross on a ballot paper next to their favoured candidate3. The candidate with the most votes wins that constituency/seat4. All other votes count for nothing

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