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Should the ‘first past the post’ electoral system continue to be used to elect the House of Commons? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 3
Should the ‘first past the post’ electoral system continue to be used to elect the House of Commons?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Should the ‘first past the post’ electoral system continue to be used to elect the House of Commons? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Argument for maintaining the system
Answer
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Endorsement of the System: The first past the post (FPTP) system has been endorsed in the 2011 referendum, which rejected the alternative vote (AV), indicating a preference among the electorate.
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Clear Constituency Links: FPTP provides a direct connection between MPs and their constituents, which many believe is essential for representation.
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Stable Governments: The system is thought to promote strong and stable governments that can implement policies effectively due to having working majorities.
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Reduction of Extremist Parties: FPTP tends to keep extremist or fringe parties at bay, ensuring that mainstream parties dominate and reducing undue influence from radical groups.
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Simplicity and Swift Outcomes: It’s easy for voters to understand and results can be counted and communicated quickly.
Step 2
Argument against maintaining the system
Answer
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Failure to Deliver Fair Outcomes: Critics argue that FPTP fails to ensure fair representation, often distorting the public's vote into unrepresentative results.
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Concentration of Support: Parties with concentrated support can unfairly dominate election outcomes, while those with more widespread backing may receive fewer seats.
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Winners Bonus: The system creates an undemocratic 'winners bonus' that greatly exaggerates the winning party's majority, often leading to an disproportionate number of seats compared to votes received.
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Safe Seats: Many constituencies become 'safe seats', discouraging voter turnout and tactical voting since the outcomes are predictably skewed.
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Historically Unstable: FPTP does not consistently produce stable single-party governments, as demonstrated in the significant electoral fluctuations seen in the 1970s and in 2010.