AMS

Question 1

What is AMS

Answer 1

• a proportional electoral system
• Hybrid system combining elements of first past the post and proportional representation
• mixed member proportional representation (MMP )

Question 2

where is AMS used?

Answer 2

• Scottish parliament
• Welsh assembly
• Greater London assembly (GLA)
• Germany
• New Zealand

Question 3

how does AMS work?

Answer 3

• voters cast two votes — first is for a constituency representative (elected using FPTP) and second is for a second or additional representative (chosen from a party list)

uses multimember regional constituencies

One vote for a constituency representative and one for a party with a closed list

Closed list = party ranks candidates in order, if that party wins the second vote then the candidate at the top is elected as the additional member/representative

There are more constituency representatives and so the second votes/representatives are known as additional or ’top-up’ votes and members

Those who have done well in the second vote get a chance to be represented in Parliament, thus achieving a more proportional and fair outcome

These bodies have four year fixed terms

Scotland — 73 constituency MPs and 56 regional MSPs from eight regions

the D’Hondt formula Is used to calculate the number of seats for each party

Question 4

advantages of AMS: PROPORTIONAL

Answer 4

Top up element introduces an element of proportionality

the d’Hondt Formula is used to determine how many members a party should be allocated from the lists

In Scotland the Conservative party won no seats in 1997 under first past the post but AMS enabled it to win 18 seats in the Scottish Parliament election of 1999

more proportional than FPTP

Question 5

advantages: STRONG LINKS

Answer 5

Maintains a strong link between the representative and their constituency as it still contains elements of first past the post

Question 6

advantages: WIDER CHOICE

Answer 6

• Everyone is entitled to 2 votes
• they can choose a representative of one party and use the second vote for a different party — known as a split ticket
• wider choice than under FPTP

Question 7

advantages: SMALLER PARTIES

Answer 7

Provides representation for smaller parties making it more democratic and representative

Question 8

disadvantages: CONFUSING

Answer 8

Confusing system — the way that the system is used and worked out can be very hard to understand and use

Two types of members, one with constituency responsibilities and one without

The confusing and more complex nature of this system means that a result therefore takes longer to reach

Question 9

disadvantages: CLOSED LISTS

Answer 9

In the second vote voters will choose a party and that party will have a private list where they will candidates in order

They can use this to prevent or encourage certain candidates to be elected

For example, preventing dissident candidates being elected by putting them at the bottom of the list

Question 10

disadvantages: NOT FULLY REPRESENTATIVE

Answer 10

Other proportional systems provide much more accurate representation for smaller parties

Still contains elements of FPTP

Question 11

disadvantages: SMALLER PARTIES

Answer 11

Boosts the significance of smaller parties, giving them undue influence

For example in Germany between 1969 and 1998 the Free Democrats never gained more than 10% of the popular vote but were able to hold the balance of power between the two largest parties

This is true of all proportional systems