Democracy: Additional Members System Flashcards
Features of the AMS
Two votes, two types of MSP, more proportional
AMS two votes example
A voter in Leith could vote for SNP in the Edinburgh North and Leith constituency but then vote Labour in the Lothian region
AMS two types of MSP example
People in Edinburgh North and Leith are represented by Ben MacPherson (constituency), and Foysol Choudhury and Lorna Slater (regional)
AMS more proportional example
In 2021, the Conservatives got 23% of the votes and 24% of the seats
Outcomes of the AMS
Coalition governments, minority governments, fairer representation
AMS coalition government example
The first two governments in the Scottish Parliament were a coalition between Labour and the Liberal Democrats
AMS minority government example
The SNP have had to rely on the Greens to pass their budget since 2016
AMS fairer representation example
In 2021, the Conservatives won 23% of the votes and got 24% of the seats
Advantages of the AMS
More proportional, smaller parties get more representation, voters get more choice
AMS smaller parties representation example
The Green Party, a small party, got 8 MSPs in 2021
AMS more choice example
Many people might vote SNP in the constituency vote but Green in the region as both support independence
Disadvantages of the AMS
AMS conflict between local and regional MSPs example
People in Edinburgh North and Leith might not be sure about whether to speak to regional MSP Jeremy Balfour or constituency MSP Ben MacPherson
AMS weak/unstable governments example
The SNP and the Greens were working together, but after Humza Yousaf ended their partnership, the SNP can no longer count on their support
AMS not always proportional example
In 2021, the SNP received 40% of the votes but got nearly 50% of MSPs
