Democracy In Scotland #5: Voting Systems Flashcards
(3 cards)
“Describe, in detail, features of the additional member system.” (8)
One key feature of the additional member system is that the voters cast 2 votes. This means that
they can elect constituency candidates using a first past the post system and they also have a
second vote to choose between parties to elect regional MSP’s. Evidence of this is that 73 MSP’s
are elected from the local constituency election.
Another key feature of the AMS is that the result is proportional. This means that the percentage
of seats in parliament reflects the percentage of votes each political party gained. Evidence of this
is that in the 2021 Hollywood election the Conservative Party gained 23.5% of the votes and
therefore 24% of seats.
Another key feature of AMS is that it allows for coalitions. This means that the government may
form power sharing deals with other parties as they do not have a majority in parliament. Evidence of this is theSNP and Scottish greens butehouse agreement. (2021)
“Describe, in detail, the advantages of the additional member system.” (8)
One advantage of the AMS system is proportional representation (PR) is fair. This means AMS produces a close correlations between shares of votes and shares of seats. Evidence of this
is that in the 2021 Hollywood election the Conservative Party gained 23.5% of the votes and
therefore 24% of seats.
Another advantage of the AMS system is PR gives minor parties more parliamentary representation. This means it allows more opportunities for new parties to be represented. Evidence of this is John Mason MSP who is an independent and represents Glasgow Shettleston constituency.
Another advantage of the AMS system is other countries use the same system. This means it’s reliable and effective. Evidence of this is most European countries such as Germany use a form of PR.
“Describe, in detail, the disadvantages of the additional member system.” (8)
One disadvantage of AMS is that it can give too much influence to minority parties. This means that parties may end up with more seats than what aligns with their number of supporters. Evidence of this is that the SNP has 62 constituency seats, but only 2 Regional ones.
Another disadvantage is that having 2 votes is complex. This means that the Scottish parliament having people use two ballots that are done in 2 different ways to select MSPs can throw people off. Evidence of this is that the 1st vote is voting the person, the second is voting a party for your region.
Another disadvantage is that voters might get confused on which MSPs represent them. This means that voters end up with different MSPs, meaning that they might find it difficult on who to go for, for help or who represents them. Evidence of this is that the Glasgow region have MSPs from the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and the Green Party.
