First past the post (democracy)

Question 1

Clear link between the representative and the constituency

Answer 1

P- FPTP is seen as advantageous as there is a clear link between the representative and the constituency.
E-This improves representation because the voters can hold him/her directly accountable. MPs and Constituency MSPs can meet with their constituents at their surgeries
EX- David Torrance, the Constituency MSP for Kirkcaldy, holds surgeries at Sainsburys in Kirkcaldy and in Burntisland.
A-This allows the views of the electorate to be represented as they can identify with an individual to address their needs on a devolved matter like education and the impact of blended learning.
F-if the voters feel their views are not being represented, they can vote for another party
EX-This happened in the 2019 General Election in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath when the Labour MP lost to the SNP
A- So FPTP gives the voter a direct contact to raise issues affecting them, but if the representative does not meet their needs, they face the danger of not be re-elected.

Question 2

Single party government

Answer 2

P-it usually produces a majority, single party government.
E-This means the government can legislate without compromise.
EX- in 2019 the Conservatives formed the government with a majority of 80.
A-FPTP allows the views of the electorate to be represented
F- FPTP can produce a ‘hung parliament’ one which does not give a majority government – compromises have to be made.
EX-For example, Theresa May’s minority government had to rely on support from the DUP to pass her Budgets.
A-So, for Theresa May, FPTP did not allow the views of the majority of the electorate to be represented as she could not get a Brexit deal done.

Question 3

tactical voting is possible

Answer 3

P- One disadvantage of FPTP is that tactical voting is possible and is often actively encouraged in marginal seats
E- This can be seen as undemocratic as it does not express the true wishes of the electorate
EX-In 2019 in North East Fife, Conservative voters were asked to vote Lib Dem in order to defeat the SNP
A-So, it could be argued that FPTP does not allow the views of the electorate to be effectively represented as many people voted for a party they many not fully agree with.
H-tactical voting is ineffective in safe seats where the winning party has a huge majority
EX-in 2019 in ‘Liverpool Walton’, Labour won with 74% of the vote and a majority of over 30,000.
A-So, in these safe constituencies FPTP does allow the vies of the electorate to be represented as this is what the majority voted for.