Additional member system AMS

Additional member system AMS

1. Additional member system is a hybrid system of both majoritarian and proportional elements.

   • Voters mark an "X" next to the candidate they would like to represent their constituency (FPTP) and proportional representation where voters elect candidates from several parties to represent them at a regional level.

2. Advantages

   • At least one effective vote so votes less likely to be wasted
   • Extends voter choice
     • The number of votes a party gains is reflected on the amount of seats they are given ( proportional represenation).
       • Eliminates safe seats -> may encourage some people to vote
         • Proportional representation allows smaller parties to gain seats and representation in parliament
           • Coalitions are more likely- this may be a benefit because coalitions collide two parties therefore may be more representative
             • Avoids situation where few marginal seats control the whole result

3. Disadvantages

   • Voter confusion - more complex method of allocating seats, takes a longer time to calculate so longer waiting time
     • The system of allocating seats is complex and many will not understand what is happening to their votes.
       • Proportional representation gives area more than one representative ( this may lead to constituents being confused about who their constituency MP's and regional MP's ) -------> weak MP and constituent link
         • Coalition governments may be less stable than majority government- if the government disagree and are divided over certain issues the government will fail
           • Smaller parties holding the balance of power between two larger parties
             • Extremist parties have more of a chance to gain seats then under FPTP
               • Accountability maybe lost in a coalition where the smaller party is dictating however the larger party takes responsibility
   • Unrepresentative political party activists deciding who goes on the list

4. Used in the Scottish parliament, Welsh assembly, greater London assembly

   • Some AMS systems use a threshold- (percentage of the vote a party must gain to win any seats