proportional electoral systems 3.1 Flashcards
what is AMS
A hybrid electoral system that has two components or elements.
The voter makes two choices. Firstly, the voter selects a
representative on a simple plurality (FPTP) system then a second
vote is apportioned to a party list for a second or ‘additional’
representative.
what are the advantages of AMS
- proportional result
- split-ticket voting
- broad popularity
- greater representation
- MP-constituency link
how is ‘proportional result’ an advantage of AMS
The more seats a party gains in the constituency
vote, the more difficult it is for it to gain regional seats as its votes will be divided by a higher number. This reduces the wasted votes and ensures more parties have a chance of being represented
how is ‘split-ticket voting’ an advantage of AMS
- means when people vote for two different political parties in their election
- encourages more parties to represent regional areas
how is ‘broad popularity’ an advantage of AMS
the party needs to be known throughout the country, not just in concentrated pockets
how is ‘greater representation’ an advantage of AMS
- more chance of your political ideology to be represented
how is ‘MP constituency link’ an advantage of AMS
- constituencies in Scotland are relatively small, therefore, there is more of a relationship between MP and constituent
what are the disadvantages of AMS
- complicated
- un-likely single party government
- FPTP used first
- different types of representatives
- party control
how is ‘complicated’ a disadvantage of AMS
- the use of mathematical equations and complications makes my brain hurt
how is ‘un-likely single party government’ a disadvantage of AMS
- less likely for one single party to have control
- means less unified and more likely to not get stuff done
how is ‘FPTP used first’ a disadvantage of AMS
it comes with the same disadvantages as FPTP
how is ‘different types of representatives’ a disadvantage of AMS
creating two tiers of representatives confusing the electorate
how is ‘party control’ a disadvantage of AMS
- the party control the order of their candidates
- excess power given to the party organisers
what is STV
This system allows voters to rank their voting preferences in numerical order rather than simply having one voting choice. In order to obtain a seat, a candidate must obtain a quota. After the votes are cast, those with the least votes are eliminated and their votes transferred and those candidates with excess votes above the quota also have their votes transferred.
what are the advantages of STV
- proportional result
- voter choice
- greater representation
