Democracy: Advantages of the Additional Member System

Question 1

its a more proportional system

Answer 1

• as AMS uses PR, the percentage of votes more fairly matches the percentage of seats gained which is fairer, this should improve turnout because people feel their vote matters
• for example, in the Scottish Parliament elections 2021 the Conservatives received 23% of votes + gained 24% of seats which is quite proportional

Question 2

its provides opportunities for smaller parties to be successful

Answer 2

• AMS results in more people + smaller parties being represented in Scottish Parliament due to the 2nd vote meaning that a wider range of the publics views + opinions will be put across
• for example, the Scottish Green Party (seen as a small party) managed to increase their number of seats to 8 in the 2021 election

Question 3

it provides a greater choice of representitives

Answer 3

• AMS is a way of keeping the link between voters + their constituency MSP as well as giving them 7 MSPs who are accountable to them in their region, this allows constituents a greater chance of having their voices heard
• for example, Kenneth Gibson is the local MSP for Cunninghame North but there are 7 other MSPs for the West Scotland region that citizens can contact