AMS in Depth

Question 1

How is confusion a reason against AMS?

Answer 1

-the Scottish parliament has constituency and regional MSPs. This may confuse people who may be unsure who to contact if a problem arises.

Question 2

How are extremist parties a problem with AMS?

Answer 2

Some are worried that extremist parties may have some representatives elected.
This could provide them with a platform for their extremist views and allows them to secure even more support.
Exp: the British National Party

Question 3

How is proportionality a plus side in AMS?

Answer 3

AMS produces a fairly proportional result but still maintains a clear link between the voters and their representatives.

Question 4

How is a coalition a plus side and a disadvantage of AMS voting?

Answer 4

• it can be an effective government that is willing to listen to different perspectives
• it could not work and make it harder to pass legislative

Question 5

How is AMS fairer on smaller parties?

Answer 5

• Even if a party has no chance of winning a seat under the FPTP aspect, it can win part list seats
• exp: Scottish greens won 2 seats in 2007

Question 6

How is conflict a reason against AMS?

Answer 6

• The system elects two types representative: constituency MSPs and regional MSPs.
• ill feelings can result in one group claiming superiority over the other

Question 7

How can AMS be seen as lees representative?

Answer 7

The party chooses a list of candidates, not the people- it was the party’s choice all along