ScotDem - AMS Flashcards
(3 cards)
Describe the key features of AMS (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 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 deals with other parties as they do not have a majority in parliament. Evidence of this is the SNP and Scottish Greens’ Bute house agreement which was formed due to the SNP not having enough seats for a majority vote in 2021.
Describe the advantages of the AMS voting system in Scottish politics (8)
One advantage of the AMS is that it created a fair voting system. This means that the AMS produces a close correlation between shares of votes and shares of seats. Evidence of this is that in the Scottish Parliament 2016 elections, Conservatives won 22% of the votes and around 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 in the 2021 election for the Scottish parliament, the AMS enabled upcoming parties, such as the Independents, to be represented.
Another advantage of the AMS is that it is widely used in European democracies, making it a proven and reliable system. This means that it is an established method for achieving fair representation in many countries. Evidence of this is that Germany has successfully used a mixed-member proportional system, similar to AMS, for decades.
Describe the disadvantages of the AMS voting system in Scottish politics (8)
One disadvantage of AMS is that it can give too much influence to minority parties. This means that parties who do not have the support of the majority have more power than what is proportional to the amount of people that align with their manifesto. Evidence of this is that the SNP has 62 constituency seats, but only 2 Regional ones.
One disadvantage of the additional members system (AMS) Is that smaller parties tend to be at a disadvantaged. This means due to the first past the post system, smaller parties tend to win less seats in Scottish parliament. Evidence of this is the LIBDEMS only won 4 seats in the 2021 election
Another disadvantage is that it’s too complex to understand. This means that having the Scottish parliament to involve voters to 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.
