Electoral Systems Flashcards
Description of scotlands voting system
It is a hybrid system meaning it is a combination of FPTP and a type of proportional representation list. Voters get two ballot papers one to elect a constituency MSP(fptp) and one to elect list MSPs(pr)
Description of Englands voting system
England just use FPTP were they only get one ballot paper and the MP with the most votes wether they win by one or one million gains a seat in parliament
How is AMS more proportional
By using AMS it is more likely that the share of votes closely reflects the share of seats won by each party. For example, in the 2019 UK general election using FPTP the Conservative Party got 43.6% of votes but won 56% of seats. In the 2021 Scottish parliament election conservatives got 23.5% of the votes and 24% of seats in parliament
Why does AMS result in low voter turnout
Many people find AMS complicated and are uncomfortable asking for help. This can lead to them not voting. For example, in the 2016 election using AMS the turnout was approximately 56% compared to the 2019 election using FPTP the turnout in Scotland was approximately 67%
One reason FPTP is fairer
FPTP is said to be fairer because it’s more likely to result in a clear and decisive result and therefore a strong government. With the exception of 1974, 2010 and 2017 all other elections have produced a clear winner and majority government
Why is a strong majority government good
This is good as it means the elected government are able to push through the policies they were elected on. E.g. in 2015 David Cameron had a strong majority and was able to push through his policies in brexit and austerity.
Why is avoiding coalitions good?
Many believe coalitions to be undemocratic as they allow smaller parties to gain power they do not deserve. For example, with the conservative-lib dem coalition the Lib Dem’s only got 23% of votes but they were able to force a referendum on AV voting system.
One reason for FTPT being less fair
Many votes are wasted with FPTP. If an MP wins their seat by one vote then all the other votes in that constituency are wasted. For example in the 2017 general election 31 seats were won with majorities of less than 1% of valid votes cast.
AMS is fair because it provides a constituency link
For example, in October 2018 the constituency MSP elected in Dundee West was from SNP, but if some people didn’t vote SNP then the regional results for north east Scotland were MSPs from Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dem’s
AMS can result in low accountability.
For example, Kezia Dudale’s, who was a regional MSP, decision to appear on I’m a celebrity get me out of here is proof of low accountability as she took 3 weeks off work in Australia during a time when the Scottish parliament was in session
Finally, AMS also gives smaller parties the chance to gain seats
For example, the Green Party won 8 seats in the 2021 Scottish parliament election.
