Glossary Term
First Past the Post
The voting system used in UK general elections where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.
Explanation
In first-past-the-post, voters choose one candidate. The candidate with the most votes wins—they don't need more than 50%. This system tends to produce strong single-party governments but can mean winning parties have less than half the national vote.
Example
A candidate who wins 35% of the vote will beat opponents with 33% and 32%, even though 65% voted against them.
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From Chapter 5
The UK Government, the Law, and Your Role
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