For FPTP.

Question 1

Three arguments FOR FPTP.

Answer 1

Simplicity
Stability
Accountability

Question 2

Simplicity.

Answer 2

Easy to use ballot cards, candidate with the most votes wins.

Question 3

Simplicity - counterpoint.

Answer 3

1) Voters have proven in other elections that they are capable of using more complicated ballot papers.
2) Is it required for voters to know how each vote works and how the candidate wins as long as the majority is voted in each time?

Question 4

Stability.

Answer 4

1) FPTP provides a clear winner by majority vote, giving the govt. a strong mandate as well as creating political stability.
2) Under FPTP minority govt. and coalitions are rare compared to other voting systems.

Question 5

Stability - counterpoint.

Answer 5

1) Minority / coalition govt. in Scotland / Wales have proven stable, such as the 2016 SNP minority.
2) This was true in the UK coalition govt. in 2010 - 2015, which lasted a full term.

Question 6

Accountability.

Answer 6

1) A strong majority govt. provides accountability, as citizens can see who is clearly responsible for policy failures / successes.
2) As MP’s are voted in by their constituency, voters can choose to vote them out of their seat in they are not successful.

Question 7

Accountability - Counterpoint

Answer 7

1) Unless voters live in a constituency that is a closely contested seat, it is hard to vote in an alternative MP, meaning accountability can be difficult.