First Past The Post - pros and cons

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  • Created by: corbs00
  • Created on: 17-12-16 15:08

First Past The Post

Advantages

  • Simple process - easy to understand
  • Keeps out extremist third parties (e.g. BNP)
  • Rarely produces coalitions; easier to make decisions
  • Strong MP-consituent links
  • Allows voters to choose people; not just parties...more trust

Disadvantages

  • Excludes smaller parties - unfair representation
  • Doesn't allow minority groups representation
  • Low turnout - wasted votes
  • Majority not needed
  • Winning party often not wanted by most people

Evaluation

Although First Past The Post is the simplest of electoral systems, it undermines the true meaning of democracy. This is due to the fact that the levels of representation are highly disproportionate, leaving the majority of society unhappy with the outcome of the election.

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