reasons to keep FPTP

Question 1

strong and accountable government?

Answer 1

• has traditionally produced clear and decisive results enabling one party to govern a decent majority in the commons
• eg, from 1979-2010 the tories and labour were able to dominate govts for lengthy periods
• however in 2010 and 2017 the results were less conclusive, resulting in a hung parliament where no one party had an overall majority
• the 2019 tory victory could be seen as a return to a pattern of strong single governments

Question 2

local links?

Answer 2

• FPTP scores highly here as it provides every constituency with its own MP whose role is to represent all voters and look after their interests
• Many MP’s enjoy a high profile in their local area and are directly accountable to their constituents at election time

Question 3

Comprehensibility and transparency?

Answer 3

• It is simple to understand and straightforward to operate

- It customarily provides a clear and quick result soon after the election