Question

The United States currently uses a voting system

called “first past the post” in elections, meaning that the candidate with the most votes wins. What are some of the problems with a “first past the post” system?

Short answer

The problem faced is the exclusion of some parties and minorities from fair representation, The political parties are encouraged which are based on the concept of ignoring minorities. Also, a large number of votes are wasted and the problem of vote-splitting is caused by the voting system.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

The 'first past the post' voting system in the United States is a method of voting in which the election is won by the candidates who receive the most votes.

Step 2. Problem 1

The most serious problem in this voting method is that some parties are denied equitable representation. Smaller political parties are unable to represent themselves since the parliamentary seats given to them do not correspond to the votes cast in the election.

Step 3. Problem 2

This system does not fairly represent minorities. Because minorities make up such a small percentage of the economy, parties prefer to select candidates who are acceptable to the majority of voters in order to win elections with the most votes. Ethnic and racial minorities are often not accepted as representatives for elected parties throughout the world.

Step 4. Problem 3

This voting method encourages political parties based on the concept of ignoring minorities to represent them and to run campaigns that are in the best interests of the majority of voters.

Step 5. Problem 4

A huge number of votes are wasted under this method since they are cast for less popular parties, mostly minorities. Minorities would have no realistic chance of ever being elected and winning in such a situation.

Step 6. Problem 5

Vote-splitting issues arise as a result of the voting system. If the supporters of two parties are the same, their votes are shared between the two parties. As a result, parties with a smaller population have a better chance of succeeding.