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EnglandPoliticsQuick questions
Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas
Quick questions on Electoral systems: FPTP, AMS, STV and SV - Edexcel A-Level Politics Component 1
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are advantages?Show answer
It is simple to use and understand; it usually produces a single-party government with a working majority, giving strong and accountable government; it maintains a clear constituency link between one MP and one area; and it tends to exclude extremist parties.
What are disadvantages?Show answer
It is highly disproportional: a party can win a Commons majority on well under half the vote, and small parties with dispersed support win few seats (in 2015 UKIP won around 12.6 per cent of the vote and one seat). It produces many wasted votes in safe seats, depresses turnout, and can give a winner's bonus that distorts the result. Marginal seats receive disproportionate campaign attention.
What is q1?Show answer
Explain and analyse three advantages of first-past-the-post. [9 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Evaluate the view that proportional representation should be used for all UK elections. [30 marks]
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