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What are some key features of the Additional Member System (AMS)?

  1. MIXED
  • Mixed electoral system which includes elements of FPTP and regional list prop rep.
  • Used in Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament and London Assembly.
  • Proportion of seats elected in single-member constituencioes using FPTP.
  • g. 57% of Scottish Parliament.
  • Additional members are elected in multi-member constituencies using regional list.
  • g. 43% of Scottish Parliament.
  • Eleectors vote for a single member candidate and additional.
  • The seats awarded through FPTP are disproportionate– main parties win the majority of seats and small parties struggle to win seats. The seats award via Party List are the ‘top-up’ seats – these adjust total seats award to each of the parties deliberately to balance out the disproportionate FPTP results.                                                                                
  1. ADVANTAGES
  • Coalitions more common so it produces a more representative government. In Scottish Parliament – no single party tends to dominate. Up until 2011 and the rise of Scottish nationalism, no party had ever won a majority.
  • Reduces disproportionate results of FPTP alone, which reflects will of the people better as it is more democratic and legitimate. In Scotland there were two-party coalitions until 2011 when AMS produced a majority for the SNP.
  • Offers voters a better choice as they can cast two votes, giving a voter a better chance of being represented, even if their first choice fails to get elected. (Can vote tactically with their FPTP vote but with their heart with party list vote).
  • Dominance of two parties reduced allows smaller parties to do better and win more seats. For example, the SNP received more seats than the Conservatives and Labour.
  1. DISADVANTAGES
  • Confuses voters as voters may not understand how top up seats are calculated, may feel disengaged from the political process so may not respect final result.
  • Coalitions more common which may compromise the legitimacy of the government. In Scotland there were two-party coalitions until 2011 when AMS produced a majority for the SNP.
  • Dominance of two parties reduced so these smaller parties may not be fit to govern.