additional member system/AMS (hybrid/mixed system)

Question 1

AMS - this is a mixed system , what two systems does it combine and what fraction of the seats are decided using each system?

Answer 1

2/3 FPTP and 1/3 regional list

Question 2

AMS - what do you do in the ballot box?

Answer 2

there are two papers, one for FPTP section and one for the regional list section, you put a cross next to the candidate you prefer on the FPTP section , and a cross next to the party you prefer in the regional list section

Question 3

AMS - how many representatives do you get , if this system was used in a general election?

Answer 3

you get one for each of the constituencies (73 in scotland) and multiple additional members (7 in scotland)

Question 4

AMS - how does this system convert votes into seats / how are the representatives chosen?

Answer 4

for each constituency the candidate with the most votes gets the seat. in each region there are multiple candidates listed for each party , there is proportional representation. this is adjusted up for parties that did badly in the FPTP section, and adjusted down for those who did well in the FPTP section. this is called the top-up system and ensures fairness.

Question 5

AMS - what type of system is this?

Answer 5

hybrid system

Question 6

AMS - does type of government does this usually create?

Answer 6

weaker one party government with quasi coalition

Question 7

AMS - does this system encourage tactical voting and safe seats?

Answer 7

yes in FPTP but not in regional list

Question 8

AMS - what type of party system does this favour?

Answer 8

multi party system

Question 9

AMS - in what election is this system used?

Answer 9

scottish parliament, welsh assembly , and london assembly