Voting Systems

Question 1

How does additional members system work?

Answer 1

Gives the electorate two votes, 1st is for local MSP using the FPTP system. Second is for a region.

Question 2

For - AMS

Answer 2

Provides local link - John Scott is the MSP for the Ayr Constituency.

Question 3

Against AMS - Large Number of MSPs

Answer 3

In Prestwick there are 3 SNP MSPs, 3 Conservatives MSPs, 2 Labour MSPs

Question 4

How does First past the post (FPTP) work?

Answer 4

Used in UK. UK split into 650 constituencies. In each one a voter will put cross next to the person they want to represent their area. Candidate with most votes becomes the MP for that area. The party with largest no. of seats becomes party of gov

Question 5

For - FPTP

Answer 5

Easy to understand - In Central Ayrshire, Phillips Whitford won nearly 5000 votes more than her rival making her the winner

Question 6

Against - FPTP

Answer 6

Unfair on smaller parties. In 2019 election the Greens won around 900k vote was across the UK yet only got one seat.