Type of Government

• Type of Government

  Use of First Past the Post produces a strong government.

  This is because it is very easy for larger parties to win a majority in parliament, with any contenders being entirely discounted in their defeat at a constituency level. This produces a strong government by reducing the need for the government to make coalition or co-operation agreements which can often impact the stability of government by creating a contrast in political opinions and policies.
• Type of Government - EXAMPLE & ANALYSIS

  Since 1945 there have been only three governments that didn’t have a majority of seats in UK Parliament after an election.

  The 80 years of almost consistently majority governments highlights how the FPTP electoral system produces a clear and concise government from the very beginning of their term, ensuring stability in public and political affairs.
• Type of government - REBUTTAL

  However, the use of First Past the Post weakens Parliament itself.

  This is because under the use of this system, it is much easier to win a majority of seats in parliament and this gives a significant and influencial advantage to hold power in Parliament with a lack of smaller parties and a range of political viewpoints to effectively hold the government to account.
• Type of Government - REBUTTAL (EXAMPLE & ANALYSIS)

  The Labour Party won only 33.7% of the votes, but have 63.4% of the seats in Parliament.

  Being almost 20% away from a majority of votes, yet having 13% over a minority in Parliament showcases the disproportion that comes with FPTP, producing governments that are far too powerful and are not effectively held to account in a chamber that is dominated by their own supporters.
• Type of Government - EVALUATION

  Therefore, despite producing a strong government that does not rely on the need for coalition or co-operation, this also weakens Parliament by producing a disproportionate result that gives the majority party and government far too much power and influence and not enough differing views with a hand in scrutinising the government and holding them to account.