Electoral systems- representive (20) Flashcards
Introduction
In the United Kingdom, there are a variety of systems used to elect representatives. At UK level, First Past The Post (FPTP) is used to elect MP’s, whilst the Additional Member system (AMS) is used to elect MSP’s in Scotland. Some people argue that AMS had more advantages than FPTP as ir provides the views of the electorate to be more fairly represented. However, this can be debated.
Voter choice- explain
In FPTP the electorate are given a choice of candidates and they select candidate who best represents them. AMS has two ballots; the first ballot is similar to FPTP as the voter chooses one candidate from a list to elect their constituency MSP. the second ballot allows them to vote for a party whose polices they support and these vote elect the 7 regional MSPs in each region.
Voter choice- example
For example, voters in Penicuik are represented by Christine Graham (SNP) who is the constituency MSP for Midlothian South as well as the 7 regional list MSPs who represent the conservative, Labour and Green Parties.
Voter choice- analysis
AMS is effective in providing voter choice as the two ballot systems allows voters to exercise their voting rights when voting for their constituency MSPs and the party who best represent their views. The list system ensures these votes help smaller parties to gain seats meaning voters choice us better represented in the parliament. In contrast, FPTP is less effective at delivering voter choice because the system does not help smaller parties to gain seats which may result in more tactical voting by the electorate to ensure their votes are not wasted and the result is a small number of large parties are always elected
Voter choice- conclusion
AMS is the most effective electoral system for delivering voter choice because it ensure voters are able to vote for a larger range of parties secure in the knowledge that there is a better chance smaller parties will gain seats and voters have 8 representatives compared to 1 with FPTP.
strength of government- explain
AMS can produce unstable/ weaker government, due to it’s proportional nature, the creation of minority governments is more likely, this means party have to decide if they should form a coalition or not. Where as FPTP usually produced a clear majority, resulting in a strong, stable government
strength of government- example
In 2019, Borris Johnston’s conservatives with election in landslide majority, winning 365 out of 650 votes
strength of government- analysis
This is important because it allows the government more easily complete it’s work with a majority the government can easily pass bills laid out in it’s manifesto and parliament should (in theory) deadlock. However, if a minority government in form during the AMS process and does not form a coalition or agreement with another party, they find that fulfilling of manifesto to promises is more difficult as they lack numbers in parliament to pass bills. Therefore this could cause parties be accused of ‘watering down’ it’s bill promised as they have to negotiate with smaller parties if they join a coalition.
Strength of government- conclusion
FPTP is the most effective electoral system for delivering strength because FPTP results in a more clear majority and creates a strong stable government.
proportionally- explain
FPTP tends to result in disproportionate, where as AMS often provides proportional representation due to the formula they use d’hont formula,as the % of seats broadly matches the % of votes therefore making it a fairly election.
proportionally- example
For example in 2021 the SNP won 48% of the votes, they went on to gain 50% of seats in parliament and the Scottish Conservatives won 22% of the votes this resulted in them gaining 24% of seats
proportionally analysis
This shows that AMS can ensure the Scottish Parliament can more fairly and accurately present the public and it’s will. However, FPTP does not show proportionally of the public’s will as 56% of the public did not vote for the Tories in 2019, yet they still formed a majority government.
proportionally- conclusion
AMS is the most effective electoral system for delivering proportionality because AMS matches vote to seats making it fairer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, i think the electoral system that allows the views of the electorate to be represented is Additional Member system (AMS) as it often allows more of the public’s will to be represented and it often results in a more fairer turnout.
