strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems used in elections within the UK Flashcards
REPRESENTATION
r - However, a weakness of this system is that it is still not truly proportional.
explain?
example?
e - The AMS system is still not 100% fair. This is because AMS divides Scotland up into regions meaning if some parties gain slightly more seats in each region than the number of votes they get that can add up to a better overall result.
e - For example, in 2021 the Lib Dems got more votes than the Greens but got one fewer seat than the Greens.
SIMPLICITY
R - However, a weakness of this system is that in reality it can be confusing as to which MSP to go to for help.
explain?
example?
e - The design of AMS means that voters get 8 different MSPs to represent them. 1 for the constituency they live in, and an extra 7 MSPs for the region they live in, which means that voters may be less clear as to which is the correct MSP to seek help from.
e - For example, the constituency MSP for Aberdeenshire East is Gillian Martin, however there is an additional 7 regional MSPs for North East Scotland, including Maggie Chapman, Maurice Golden, Liam Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Michael Marra, Mercedes Villalba and Tess White.
SIMPLICITY
p - A strength of AMS is that it results in a clear and visible representative for the voter.
explain?
example?
e - . In this electoral system a person is always represented for a local constituency, which makes it very clear who citizens can go to for help or if they need to have something raised in parliament.
e - For example, Gillian Martin is the MSP for the Aberdeenshire East Constituency.
REPRESENTATION
p - A strength of AMS is that it is more representative with a fairer result.
explain?
example?
e - The AMS system is decently proportional which means that smaller parties have more chance of success in an election. By being proportional this should result in a party that gets 20% of the votes getting around 20% of the seats.
e - For example, in 2021, the Labour Party and Conservative Party both got around 20% of the vote and around 20% seats.
