First Past the Post

How it works
1. Electors cast a single vote by placing a cross on the ballot paper
2. The one with the most wins
3. A person does not necessarily need more to get 50%
4. Whichever party has a majority of the MPs can form a government
Where it is used
1. Elections to the Westminster Parliament (HoC)
2. There are 650 constituencies
3. Also used in local government elections
Advantages
1. It is easy to understand
2. FPTP tends to return strong and stable governments which can fulfil there manifesto pledges. They usually have to enter into coalition governments. As a result the governing party can be held directly accountable for its policies at the next general election. (2010 being the exception)
3. Tends to be a strong link between the MP and their constituents. Only one representative so people are more likely to know who their representative is
4. It builds strong levels accountability. Voters can easily track the work of their local MP and can hold them to account by kicking them out of office next time
5. Has been very successful at keeping extremist parties out of influence in British politics since parties such as the BNP have generally lacked the depth of support necessary to win a constituency
Disadvantages
1. FPTP is particularly controversial because its critics argue that it does not fairly translate votes into seats. Two main parties win more seats than their votes merit. The lead party gaining a 'winner's bonus'
2. Minority parties with thinly spread support are under-represented (UKIP in 2015 with over 3.8 million votes but only one seat)
3. Creates 'electoral deserts' - parts of the country where the party has little or no representation
4. A party can actually win the most votes, but receive fewer seats than its main rival and hence lose the election. (In 1951 the Tories won more seats than labour with less votes In 1974 the opposite happened)
5. Winning candidates do not need to secure a majority of the votes cast in their constituency. MPs elected on minority mandates
6. Most MPs have less than half of the voted in their constituencies. In 2015 331 of 650 MPs were elected without an absolute majority
7. FPTP does not promote the idea of 'one person, one vote'. A vote in a small constituency is more likely to influence the outcome than a vote in a larger one
8. It encourages 'tactical voting'

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First Past the Post

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