The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system... Show more
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Updated Mar 26, 2026
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What is the AMS Voting System? Explained for Kids
Libby
@libby_w
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Strengths and Weaknesses of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) used in Scottish Parliament elections has several strengths and weaknesses that impact its effectiveness as a voting system.
One of the primary strengths of AMS is that it is a proportional system. This means that the percentage of seats a party gains in parliament is generally closer to the percentage of overall votes they receive. This feature of AMS helps to ensure that the composition of the Scottish Parliament more accurately reflects the diverse political preferences of the Scottish electorate.
Example: In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the Conservative Party gained 23.5% of the vote and secured 24% of the seats, demonstrating the proportional nature of the AMS.
Another strength of AMS is that it provides direct constituency representation. Through the first vote , voters elect an MSP to represent their specific local area. This aspect of the system ensures that most people have a clear understanding of who their local MSP is and can easily identify their direct representative in parliament.
Example: Siobhan Brown serves as the constituency MSP for Ayr, directly representing the interests of that specific area in the Scottish Parliament.
A third strength of AMS is that it offers greater choice to voters. Each household effectively has eight MSPs representing them due to the regional element of the system. This provides voters with more options when it comes to contacting their representatives. Additionally, the two-vote system allows voters to split their support between different parties if they wish.
Example: Some voters might choose to support a major party like the SNP in the constituency vote while giving their regional vote to the Greens, as both parties support Scottish independence.
However, AMS also has some weaknesses. One significant drawback is its complexity. The system involves two different ballots, and the method for electing regional MSPs can be confusing due to the complex formula used to allocate seats.
Highlight: The complexity of AMS can sometimes lead to unexpected results, as seen in the 2021 election where the SNP received 37% of the vote in the South of Scotland region but only gained one regional MSP.
Another weakness of AMS is that it can lead to unrepresentative government. The system often results in either coalition governments or minority rule, requiring parties to negotiate and form alliances after the election. This can lead to compromises on election promises and give disproportionate influence to smaller parties.
Example: Following the 2021 election, the SNP had to rely on support from the Green Party, giving the Greens, who only received around 8% of the vote, a significant influence on government policy.
Lastly, AMS can create issues with accountability due to the presence of two types of MSPs. This can lead to confusion among constituents about which MSP to contact for various issues. Additionally, regional MSPs may represent different parties than the constituency MSP, potentially creating conflicts in representation.
Highlight: The dual nature of representation under AMS can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity in terms of which MSP is responsible for addressing specific constituent concerns.
Key Features of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) is the voting system used in Scottish Parliament elections. It has several distinctive features that set it apart from other electoral systems.
Firstly, voters get two votes under the AMS. This means that Scottish citizens have the opportunity to make two separate choices when electing their representatives to the Scottish Parliament. They can vote for a constituency candidate and also for a regional party list.
Example: In the Inverness and Nairn constituency, which is part of the Highlands and Islands region, voters cast two ballots – one for their preferred constituency candidate and another for their preferred party in the regional list.
Secondly, the AMS creates two types of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). There are constituency MSPs, who are elected directly to represent specific geographic areas, and regional MSPs, who are elected from party lists to represent larger regions.
Example: Fergus Ewing serves as the constituency MSP for Inverness and Nairn, while Edward Mountain is a regional MSP representing the entire Highlands and Islands region.
Lastly, each region in Scotland has seven MSPs under the AMS. Scotland is divided into eight regions, with each region electing seven MSPs. In total, there are 129 MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, consisting of 73 constituency MSPs and 56 regional MSPs.
Highlight: The AMS voting system in Scotland creates a mix of local representation through constituency MSPs and broader regional representation through regional MSPs, aiming to balance local interests with proportional party representation.
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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
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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
What is the AMS Voting System? Explained for Kids
Libby
@libby_w
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system used in Scotland for electing members to the Scottish Parliament. It combines elements of first-past-the-post and proportional representation.
Key points:
- Voters have two votes: one for a constituency candidate and... Show more
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) used in Scottish Parliament elections has several strengths and weaknesses that impact its effectiveness as a voting system.
One of the primary strengths of AMS is that it is a proportional system. This means that the percentage of seats a party gains in parliament is generally closer to the percentage of overall votes they receive. This feature of AMS helps to ensure that the composition of the Scottish Parliament more accurately reflects the diverse political preferences of the Scottish electorate.
Example: In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the Conservative Party gained 23.5% of the vote and secured 24% of the seats, demonstrating the proportional nature of the AMS.
Another strength of AMS is that it provides direct constituency representation. Through the first vote , voters elect an MSP to represent their specific local area. This aspect of the system ensures that most people have a clear understanding of who their local MSP is and can easily identify their direct representative in parliament.
Example: Siobhan Brown serves as the constituency MSP for Ayr, directly representing the interests of that specific area in the Scottish Parliament.
A third strength of AMS is that it offers greater choice to voters. Each household effectively has eight MSPs representing them due to the regional element of the system. This provides voters with more options when it comes to contacting their representatives. Additionally, the two-vote system allows voters to split their support between different parties if they wish.
Example: Some voters might choose to support a major party like the SNP in the constituency vote while giving their regional vote to the Greens, as both parties support Scottish independence.
However, AMS also has some weaknesses. One significant drawback is its complexity. The system involves two different ballots, and the method for electing regional MSPs can be confusing due to the complex formula used to allocate seats.
Highlight: The complexity of AMS can sometimes lead to unexpected results, as seen in the 2021 election where the SNP received 37% of the vote in the South of Scotland region but only gained one regional MSP.
Another weakness of AMS is that it can lead to unrepresentative government. The system often results in either coalition governments or minority rule, requiring parties to negotiate and form alliances after the election. This can lead to compromises on election promises and give disproportionate influence to smaller parties.
Example: Following the 2021 election, the SNP had to rely on support from the Green Party, giving the Greens, who only received around 8% of the vote, a significant influence on government policy.
Lastly, AMS can create issues with accountability due to the presence of two types of MSPs. This can lead to confusion among constituents about which MSP to contact for various issues. Additionally, regional MSPs may represent different parties than the constituency MSP, potentially creating conflicts in representation.
Highlight: The dual nature of representation under AMS can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity in terms of which MSP is responsible for addressing specific constituent concerns.
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Key Features of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) is the voting system used in Scottish Parliament elections. It has several distinctive features that set it apart from other electoral systems.
Firstly, voters get two votes under the AMS. This means that Scottish citizens have the opportunity to make two separate choices when electing their representatives to the Scottish Parliament. They can vote for a constituency candidate and also for a regional party list.
Example: In the Inverness and Nairn constituency, which is part of the Highlands and Islands region, voters cast two ballots – one for their preferred constituency candidate and another for their preferred party in the regional list.
Secondly, the AMS creates two types of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). There are constituency MSPs, who are elected directly to represent specific geographic areas, and regional MSPs, who are elected from party lists to represent larger regions.
Example: Fergus Ewing serves as the constituency MSP for Inverness and Nairn, while Edward Mountain is a regional MSP representing the entire Highlands and Islands region.
Lastly, each region in Scotland has seven MSPs under the AMS. Scotland is divided into eight regions, with each region electing seven MSPs. In total, there are 129 MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, consisting of 73 constituency MSPs and 56 regional MSPs.
Highlight: The AMS voting system in Scotland creates a mix of local representation through constituency MSPs and broader regional representation through regional MSPs, aiming to balance local interests with proportional party representation.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Social Inequality
Sociology of Education Overview
Explore key concepts in the Sociology of Education, including the roles of families, educational achievement, marketisation, and the impact of social class, gender, and ethnicity on educational outcomes. This comprehensive resource covers functionalist and Marxist perspectives, educational inequalities, and the influence of subcultures. Ideal for AQA Sociology students preparing for exams.
Sociology10
Most popular content in Modern Studies
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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