ADDITIONAL MEMBER SYSTEM (HYBRID SYSTEM)

Question 1

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

Answer 1

2/3 FPTP , 1/3 regional list

Question 2

AMS!! what do you do in the ballot box?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

AMS!! how many representatives do you get if this system was used in general elections?

Answer 3

• one MP for each of the constituencies and multiple additional members in each region
• 73 constituencies in scotland , 7 additional members in scotland

Question 4

AMS!! how does this system convert votes into seats?

Answer 4

• constituency: the candidate with the most votes gets the seat
• region: there are multiple candidates listed for each party , 30% of vote = roughly 30% of seats BUT!! adjusted up for parties that did badly in FPTP and adjusted down for parties that did well in FPTP
  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!! what 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 with regional list

Question 8

AMS!! what type of party system does this favour?

Answer 8

multi party system

Question 9

AMS!! in what elections is this system used?

Answer 9

• scottish parliament
• welsh assembly
• london assembly