AMS Essay

Question 1

AMS Advantage - More Representatives

Answer 1

AMS is a proportional system which maintains the link between constituents and constituency MSPs whilst also providing constituents with 7 other regional MSPs. Therefore, there is more choice for constituents about who to approach with issues.

Question 2

AMS Advantage - More Representatives Example

Answer 2

Someone living in Carntyne might approach the constituency MSP for Glasgow Provan - Labour MSP Paul Martin - or they could speak to one of the other 7 regional MSPs for Glasgow such as Ruth Davidson MSP of the Conservative party.

Question 3

AMS Disadvantage - Conflict Between Different Type Of Representatives

Answer 3

Because the AMS in Scotland leads to constituency MSPs an regional MSPs this can create conflict over who is the most important.

Question 4

AMS Disadvantage - Conflict Between Different Type Of Representatives Example

Answer 4

In August 2003, the then Labour MP Brian Wilson described list MSPs as “a waste of space”.

Question 5

AMS Advantage - Less Wasted Votes

Answer 5

Under the AMS, less votes will be “wasted”. This is because seats are awarded proportionally rather than a “winner takes all” scenario like FPTP.

Question 6

AMS Advantage - Less Wasted Votes Example

Answer 6

In the Glasgow region in 2011, 3 Labour, 2 SNP, 1 Conservative and 1 Green MSP were elected.

Question 7

AMS Disadvantage - Confusing

Answer 7

A complex formula is used to allocate seats and each person has 8 MSPs, unlike FPTP which is a straightforward system where constituents have 1 representative.

Question 8

AMS Disadvantage - Confusing Example

Answer 8

In 1999 and 2003, thousands of ballot papers were incorrectly filled meaning that votes were not counted.

Question 9

AMS Advantage - Creates Coalitions Which Is Good

Answer 9

This is arguably a good thing as parties have to cooperate and compromise and so decisions reflect a wider range of views.

Question 10

AMS Advantage - Creates Coalitions Which Is Good Example

Answer 10

The Labour/Lib Dem coalition of 1999-2003 ensured that Scottish students do not have to pay to go to university or college.

Question 11

AMS Disadvantage - Creates Coalitions Which Is Bad

Answer 11

This is arguably a negative as too much time can be wasted on discussing and compromise instead of getting the job done quickly.

Question 12

AMS Disadvantage - Creates Coalitions Which Is Bad Example

Answer 12

The SNP government of 2007-11 had difficulty passing laws such as Alcohol Minimum Pricing in 2010 because they did not have a majority of seats in the SP and so had to rely on the support of MSPs from other parties to win votes in parliament.

Question 13

AMS Advantage - Small Parties Represented

Answer 13

Smaller parties have a greater chance of gaining seats in parliament, therefore more voices are heard representing more views.

Question 14

AMS Advantage - Small Parties Represented Example

Answer 14

In 2011, 15 Conservative MSPs and 2 Green MSPs were elected into the SP.

Question 15

AMS Disadvantage - Extremist Parties

Answer 15

A major criticism of the MS is that it heightens the chances of extremist parties such as the BNP gaining representation in parliament.

Question 16

AMS Disadvantage - Extremist Parties Example

Answer 16

In 2011, the BNP gained 2,500 votes in the Glasgow region. Although this was not enough to gain an MSP they have a much better chance of gaining and MSP this way than under FPTP.