ST2 Electoral Systems Essay Flashcards
intro
Some would argue that the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system is the most effective electoral system as it provides clear and visible representation. However, others may argue that the Additional Members System (AMS) is in fact the better system as it also provides a clear and visible representation, the system is proportional, and it’s less likely to lead to tactical voting. Ultimately, this response will set out why AMS is more effective overall at providing effective choice and representation.
Para 1 - Clear + Visible (FPTP)
Point + Explain
One strength of FPTP is that it provides a clear and visible representative at a local level. This is because the nature of FPTP means that everyone is represented by one MSP in their local constituency. This makes it clear to constituents who they can go to for support or if there is something they want raised in parliament.
Para 1 - Clear and Visible (FPTP)
Example
For example, Kirtsy Blackman is the MP for Aberdeen North but the MP for Aberdeen South is Stephen Flynn.
Para 1 Clear and Visible (FPTP)
Analysis
This shows that FPTP provides effective choice and fair representation as having one representative for each constituency prevents people from becoming confused, as opposed to other systems where there are multiple representatives. FPTP ensures that constituents know who their representative is and can hold them accountable and go to them for support. It also makes voting simple as constituents simply look at each candidate and decide who they want to support, and then vote for them.
Para 1 Clear and Visible (AMS)
Point and Explain
However, systems like AMS also provide clear and visible representation for the electorate. This is because, although there are two different types of MSPs (constituency and regional) under AMS, everyone is represented by one MSP in their local constituency, which also makes it clear to constituents who they can go to for help/if they want something raised in parliament
Para 1 Clear and Visible (AMS)
Example
For example, Kevin Stewart is the MSP for Aberdeen Central having beat Douglas Lumsden (Conservative) in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election by 6494 votes.
Para 1 Clear and Visible (AMS)
Overall/Analysis
Overall, this shows that AMS is a more effective system at providing effective choice and fair representation as under AMS constituents have a range of MSPs they can go to for support, meaning they are not limited to one person like they would be under FPTP. This also means that if they don’t like/support the MSP who was elected under FPTP, they can go to someone from a party whose opinions/values better match their own.
Para 2 Proportional (FPTP)
Point and Explain
One weakness of FPTP is that it’s not a proportional system. This is because most times FPTP leads to a majority government, with one party having the power to pass bills, despite the fact that most voters actually support others parties. These other parties will then be limited in parliament due to their smaller number of MPs when compared to the winning party.
Para 2 Proportional (FPTP)
Example
For example, in 2024 Labour only won 33.7% of the seats but gained 62.3% of the seats, meaning that Labour have a majority in Parliament with the power to pass the bills they wish when around 2/3rds of the population actually voted for another party.
Para 2 Proportional (FPTP)
Evaluation
This shows that FPTP is limited in providing effective choice and clear representation as millions of people across the country are not being represented in Parliament since most of the time the majority of people don’t vote for the winning party. This is unfair to them as it means that there isn’t someone in parliament from their area that has their views and can represent them. This also leads to people feeling that their vote was wasted as it had no effect, which could lead them to not vote in future elections because they feel that their vote won’t matter in the end.
Para 2 Proportional (AMS)
Point and Explain
Furthermore, systems like AMS could be seen as better because it’s more proportional. This is because AMS offers voters more choice as it’s a hybrid system that combines the FPTP element of picking a single person with a second vote for a party. All the votes are counted after a regional vote and then the results are analysed with the regional seats being distributed in a way that makes the overall result more proportional. By being a more proportional system, the overall results are much closer to the overall vote.
Para 2 Proportional (AMS)
Example
For example, in 2021, the Conservative party won around 24% of the vote and 24% of the seats.
Para 2 Proportional (AMS)
Overall/Analysis
Overall, this shows that AMS is a more effective system than FPTP because AMS being a proportional system gives smaller parties a better chance of winning seats in parliament. It also means that less votes are ‘wasted’ by taking more people’s party preferences into account, therefore decreasing voter apathy and encouraging higher voter turnout as it results in less people feeling as thought their vote doesn’t matter.
Para 3 Tactical Voting (FPTP)
Point and Explain
Another weakness of FPTP is that is can lead to tactical voting. This is because FPTP is a “winner takes all” system which means that often people need to vote tactically. This means that voters will look at who is most likely to win in their constituency and decide if they want to support them or vote for the person most likely to defeat them.
Para 3 Tactical Voting (FPTP)
Example
For example, in the 2024 election, some people in Aberdeen North will have supported the Labour candidate because they were likely to beat SNP. They may have done this because they are against independence, not because they simply like the Labour policies.
