<P> In practice , the House of Commons ' scrutiny of the Government is fairly weak . Since the first - past - the - post electoral system is employed , the governing party often enjoys a large majority in the Commons , and there is often little need to compromise with other parties . Modern British political parties are so tightly organised that they leave relatively little room for free action by their MPs . Also , many ruling party MPs are paid members of the Government . Thus , during the 20th century , the Government has lost confidence issues only three times -- twice in 1924 , and once in 1979 . However , the threat of rebellions by their own party 's backbench MPs often forces Governments to make concessions ( under the Coalition , over foundation hospitals and under Labour over top - up fees and compensation for failed company pension schemes ) . Occasionally the Government is defeated by backbench rebellions ( Terrorism Act 2006 ) . However , the scrutiny provided by the Select Committees is more serious . </P>
<P> In practice , the House of Commons ' scrutiny of the Government is fairly weak . Since the first - past - the - post electoral system is employed , the governing party often enjoys a large majority in the Commons , and there is often little need to compromise with other parties . Modern British political parties are so tightly organised that they leave relatively little room for free action by their MPs . Also , many ruling party MPs are paid members of the Government . Thus , during the 20th century , the Government has lost confidence issues only three times -- twice in 1924 , and once in 1979 . However , the threat of rebellions by their own party 's backbench MPs often forces Governments to make concessions ( under the Coalition , over foundation hospitals and under Labour over top - up fees and compensation for failed company pension schemes ) . Occasionally the Government is defeated by backbench rebellions ( Terrorism Act 2006 ) . However , the scrutiny provided by the Select Committees is more serious . </P>
what electoral system is used to elect the united kingdom house of commons
what electoral system is used to elect the united kingdom house of commons
first - past - the - post electoral system
first - past - the - post electoral system