Which of the following is/are not the characteristic(s) of the First Past The Post System (FPTP) ? 1. It is a majoritarian system where minorities are likely to remain unrepresented. 2. A candidate may win an election even if he/she gets less than the majority of the votes cast. 3. It generates proportionality between the votes cast and the seats won. 4. It always leads to a two party system and a stable and accountable government. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The First Past The Post (FPTP) system is a plurality method where a candidate wins by securing more votes than any other individual, even without an absolute majority [4]. Statement 1 is a characteristic because FPTP often excludes minorities from fair representation as parties favor broadly acceptable candidates to secure a plurality. Statement 2 is also a characteristic; a candidate can win with less than 50% of the votes [4]. Statement 3 is incorrect (not a characteristic) because FPTP lacks proportionality; a party's seat share often exceeds its vote share, unlike Proportional Representation [4]. Statement 4 is incorrect because while FPTP tends to favor a two-party system, it does not 'always' lead to one, as evidenced by India's multi-party coalitions [2]. Furthermore, it does not guarantee stability or accountability in all contexts [3]. Thus, statements 3 and 4 are not characteristics.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Chapter 3: Election and Representation > p. 57
2. [4] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Chapter 3: Election and Representation > p. 59
3. [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Check your progress > p. 63
4. [3] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Chapter 3: Election and Representation > p. 61