Analyse the arguments in favour of retaining the First-Past-the-Post system for elections to the House of Commons.

An answer starts by explaining the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system as electing members to one-member districts by single-plurality, in 650 districts ('constituencies' in the UK) across the country. FPTP is described as a 'majoritarian' system because it tends to give a majority of parliamentary seats to the political party with the most votes even where that party does not win a majority of votes, and can be contrasted with 'proportional' systems where the % of seats a party gets more closely matches their votes.Arguments for and against could include:Considering the advantages of parties having strong majorities vs. the consequences of proportional systems with more coalitions - evaluation of this discussion means recognition of the normative decision about whether coalitions or strong majorities are desirable. Discussion could also touch on political culture e.g. possible 'confrontational' politics in the UK vs. consensual politics in Europe. Discussion of the history of performance of coalition/minority governments in the UK - Lib-Con 2010-2015, Con 2017-2019, Labour in late 70s - could be informative here.Theories of representation and what the role of MPs is meant to be - a 'Burkean' theory of representation where MPs are meant to decide what is in the best interests of their direct constituents may support FPTP, because it suggests that a geographical link between an MP and their constituents is valuable. In contrast, a party mandate theory of representation where MPs are supposed to fulfil the mandate given by voters who choose a particular party programme would support a proportional system where the parliamentary strength of parties should match the feelings of votersIdeas about fairness and democracy - under FPTP, many votes are said to be 'wasted' and it can be argued that this disencfranchises voters.Context/historical discussion of electoral systems in the UK. Could mention AV referendum of 2011 where voters had a chance to reject FPTP and did not (by a wide margin). Reference to elections in the UK other than Westminster where proportional systems are used and their effects: Scottish parliament (discussion of Lab-Lib coalitions 1999-2007, SNP minority 2007-2011), Welsh, London assembly all using AMS or similar; EU parliament elections using regional D'Hondt list; NI assembly, some local elections using STV.