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Amy Neill
05/12/2025
Modern Studies
Additional Members System - Higher modern studies essay
682
•
5 Dec 2025
•
Exploring the Additional Members System - Higher Modern Studies Essay
Amy Neill
@amyneill
Understanding the Additional Member System
The Additional Member System splits representation into two parts. In the first vote, Scotland is divided into 73 constituency seats elected using First Past the Post, creating a direct link between constituents and their local MSP. The second vote divides Scotland into 8 regions, with regional MSPs elected via a Party List System using a formula that aims to make the overall result more proportional.
One of the greatest strengths of AMS is that it creates clear representation for voters. Each citizen has a directly elected local MSP they can approach with concerns or issues. For example, when Siobhan Brown narrowly defeated John Scott by just 200 votes in the 2021 Ayr constituency election, residents gained a representative they had specifically chosen, strengthening the democratic connection.
However, AMS can sometimes create confusion about representation. Since each voter is represented by 8 different MSPs (1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs), it can be unclear which representative to approach. In places like Prestwick, having 2 SNP, 3 Conservative and 2 Labour MSPs might leave constituents uncertain about who to contact with their concerns.
Think about it: While having multiple representatives gives voters more options, it also creates a potential communication challenge. How would you decide which MSP to approach with a local issue?
AMS significantly increases voter power by providing two separate votes. Even if your preferred candidate doesn't win the constituency seat, your regional vote still contributes to your party gaining regional representation. This means more voters see their preferences reflected in parliament, encouraging continued participation in the democratic process.
Evaluating AMS Effectiveness
The dual-vote nature of AMS means voters rarely "waste" their votes. For example, a Labour supporter in Ayr might be disappointed when the SNP wins the constituency seat, but their regional vote could still help secure Labour regional MSPs. This creates a system where more voters feel their voice matters, strengthening democratic engagement.
However, AMS does shift some power to political parties, particularly with regional lists. Parties decide which candidates appear on regional lists and in what order, meaning voters choose a party rather than specific individuals. When an MSP resigns, as happened when Kezia Dugdale quit as an MSP, the party decides the replacement without voter input, potentially weakening the democratic connection.
A significant strength of AMS is how it strengthens parliamentary oversight. Since it's rare for any single party to achieve a majority under this system, governments typically need to form coalitions or agreements with other parties. For instance, the SNP has previously made deals with both the Green Party and Conservatives to pass budgets, ensuring more diverse perspectives influence legislation.
The flip side is that AMS can sometimes lead to smaller parties wielding disproportionate influence. When a government needs support from minor parties to pass legislation, these smaller groups gain significant leverage. In 2016, the Green Party won just 5% of the vote but gained substantial influence over SNP decisions despite the SNP winning around 50% of the vote.
Important insight: AMS creates a balance between having a strong government and ensuring diverse representation. This trade-off is central to understanding whether you believe AMS is an effective voting system.
Overall, despite some drawbacks like potential government instability and increased party power, AMS delivers significant benefits through clearer representation, increased voter empowerment, and stronger parliamentary oversight, making it generally an effective voting system for Scotland.
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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Exploring the Additional Members System - Higher Modern Studies Essay
Amy Neill
@amyneill
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a voting method used in Scottish Parliament elections that aims to balance local representation with proportional outcomes. This hybrid system gives voters two votes: one for their local MSP (elected using First Past the... Show more
Understanding the Additional Member System
The Additional Member System splits representation into two parts. In the first vote, Scotland is divided into 73 constituency seats elected using First Past the Post, creating a direct link between constituents and their local MSP. The second vote divides Scotland into 8 regions, with regional MSPs elected via a Party List System using a formula that aims to make the overall result more proportional.
One of the greatest strengths of AMS is that it creates clear representation for voters. Each citizen has a directly elected local MSP they can approach with concerns or issues. For example, when Siobhan Brown narrowly defeated John Scott by just 200 votes in the 2021 Ayr constituency election, residents gained a representative they had specifically chosen, strengthening the democratic connection.
However, AMS can sometimes create confusion about representation. Since each voter is represented by 8 different MSPs (1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs), it can be unclear which representative to approach. In places like Prestwick, having 2 SNP, 3 Conservative and 2 Labour MSPs might leave constituents uncertain about who to contact with their concerns.
Think about it: While having multiple representatives gives voters more options, it also creates a potential communication challenge. How would you decide which MSP to approach with a local issue?
AMS significantly increases voter power by providing two separate votes. Even if your preferred candidate doesn't win the constituency seat, your regional vote still contributes to your party gaining regional representation. This means more voters see their preferences reflected in parliament, encouraging continued participation in the democratic process.
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Evaluating AMS Effectiveness
The dual-vote nature of AMS means voters rarely "waste" their votes. For example, a Labour supporter in Ayr might be disappointed when the SNP wins the constituency seat, but their regional vote could still help secure Labour regional MSPs. This creates a system where more voters feel their voice matters, strengthening democratic engagement.
However, AMS does shift some power to political parties, particularly with regional lists. Parties decide which candidates appear on regional lists and in what order, meaning voters choose a party rather than specific individuals. When an MSP resigns, as happened when Kezia Dugdale quit as an MSP, the party decides the replacement without voter input, potentially weakening the democratic connection.
A significant strength of AMS is how it strengthens parliamentary oversight. Since it's rare for any single party to achieve a majority under this system, governments typically need to form coalitions or agreements with other parties. For instance, the SNP has previously made deals with both the Green Party and Conservatives to pass budgets, ensuring more diverse perspectives influence legislation.
The flip side is that AMS can sometimes lead to smaller parties wielding disproportionate influence. When a government needs support from minor parties to pass legislation, these smaller groups gain significant leverage. In 2016, the Green Party won just 5% of the vote but gained substantial influence over SNP decisions despite the SNP winning around 50% of the vote.
Important insight: AMS creates a balance between having a strong government and ensuring diverse representation. This trade-off is central to understanding whether you believe AMS is an effective voting system.
Overall, despite some drawbacks like potential government instability and increased party power, AMS delivers significant benefits through clearer representation, increased voter empowerment, and stronger parliamentary oversight, making it generally an effective voting system for Scotland.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user