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13
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Catherine Closs
10/08/2025
Modern Studies
voting systems essay
760
•
10 Aug 2025
•
Understanding AMS Voting: How It Works and Where It's Used in the UK and Scotland
Catherine Closs
@catieeliza
Comparing AMS and FPTP Voting Systems
This page continues the discussion on the Additional Member System (AMS) and First Past the Post (FPTP) voting systems, focusing on their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages of AMS over FPTP
-
More Proportional Representation: AMS provides a fairer reflection of voter preferences in the overall composition of parliament. This is particularly beneficial for smaller parties that may struggle to win constituencies under FPTP but can gain seats through the proportional list element of AMS.
-
Reduced Tactical Voting: AMS discourages tactical voting, as voters can express their true preferences without feeling that their vote might be "wasted" on a candidate with little chance of winning.
Definition: Tactical voting occurs when a voter supports a candidate they wouldn't normally choose in order to prevent an undesired outcome, rather than voting for their preferred candidate.
- Increased Voter Choice: With two votes, electors have more options to express their preferences, potentially voting for a local candidate from one party and a different party in the regional list.
Drawbacks of FPTP
-
Disproportionate Results: FPTP can lead to significant disparities between a party's share of the vote and its share of seats in parliament. This can result in majority governments formed by parties that received less than 50% of the popular vote.
-
Underrepresentation of Smaller Parties: Parties with geographically dispersed support may struggle to win seats under FPTP, even if they receive a substantial portion of the overall vote.
Example: In the 2019 UK general election, the Green Party won only one seat despite receiving nearly 900,000 votes nationwide, while the Scottish National Party won 48 seats with 1.2 million votes due to their geographically concentrated support.
- Encourages Tactical Voting: FPTP can lead voters to support candidates they believe have the best chance of winning, rather than their preferred choice, potentially distorting the true preferences of the electorate.
Strengths of FPTP
Despite its drawbacks, FPTP does have some advantages:
-
Simplicity: FPTP is easy to understand and implement, with voters simply choosing one candidate in their constituency.
-
Clear Local Representation: Each constituency has a single representative, providing a clear point of contact for local issues.
-
Typically Produces Majority Governments: FPTP often results in single-party majority governments, which can lead to more stable and decisive governance.
In conclusion, while both AMS and FPTP have their merits, AMS offers a more balanced approach that combines local representation with overall proportionality. This makes it particularly suitable for diverse political landscapes like Scotland, where it helps ensure that a wide range of political views are represented in parliament.
Additional Member System (AMS) Voting
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation. This page explores the key features and advantages of AMS compared to FPTP.
Stronger Link Between Public and Representatives
AMS provides a stronger connection between the public and their elected representatives compared to FPTP. Under AMS, voters have two votes - one for a constituency candidate and one for a party list. This dual voting system increases the likelihood that at least one of the voter's choices will be represented in parliament.
Example: In Central Ayrshire, even if a Labour voter's constituency candidate loses to the SNP, their party list vote could still help Labour gain regional seats in parliament.
This system encourages a closer relationship between constituents and their representatives, as voters are more likely to seek assistance from someone they voted for.
More Effective Parliament
AMS leads to a stronger and more diverse parliament compared to FPTP. The proportional element of AMS allows smaller parties to gain representation, leading to a more inclusive decision-making process.
Highlight: In the Scottish Parliament, the SNP has had to form coalitions or make deals with other parties like the Greens or Conservatives to pass legislation, ensuring more voices are heard.
This contrasts with FPTP, where smaller parties can be shut out despite significant vote shares. For instance, in the 2019 UK general election, the Green Party won only one seat despite receiving 900,000 votes nationwide.
Greater Proportionality and Fairer Results
AMS provides a more proportional representation of voter preferences compared to FPTP. This system gives smaller parties a better chance of gaining seats based on their overall vote share.
Example: In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the Conservative Party received approximately 24% of the votes and won around 24% of the seats, demonstrating a close match between votes and representation.
FPTP, on the other hand, can lead to tactical voting and misrepresentation of voter preferences. In some constituencies, voters may support a candidate they don't prefer simply to prevent another party from winning.
Vocabulary: Tactical voting refers to voting for a candidate who is not one's first choice, but has a better chance of defeating an undesired candidate.
While FPTP has some advantages, such as simplicity and clear local representation, AMS offers a more balanced approach that combines local accountability with overall proportionality.
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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
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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 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
Understanding AMS Voting: How It Works and Where It's Used in the UK and Scotland
Catherine Closs
@catieeliza
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of proportional representation with single-member constituencies, offering a balance between local representation and overall proportionality. This system is used in Scotland for electing members to the Scottish... Show more
Comparing AMS and FPTP Voting Systems
This page continues the discussion on the Additional Member System (AMS) and First Past the Post (FPTP) voting systems, focusing on their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages of AMS over FPTP
-
More Proportional Representation: AMS provides a fairer reflection of voter preferences in the overall composition of parliament. This is particularly beneficial for smaller parties that may struggle to win constituencies under FPTP but can gain seats through the proportional list element of AMS.
-
Reduced Tactical Voting: AMS discourages tactical voting, as voters can express their true preferences without feeling that their vote might be "wasted" on a candidate with little chance of winning.
Definition: Tactical voting occurs when a voter supports a candidate they wouldn't normally choose in order to prevent an undesired outcome, rather than voting for their preferred candidate.
- Increased Voter Choice: With two votes, electors have more options to express their preferences, potentially voting for a local candidate from one party and a different party in the regional list.
Drawbacks of FPTP
-
Disproportionate Results: FPTP can lead to significant disparities between a party's share of the vote and its share of seats in parliament. This can result in majority governments formed by parties that received less than 50% of the popular vote.
-
Underrepresentation of Smaller Parties: Parties with geographically dispersed support may struggle to win seats under FPTP, even if they receive a substantial portion of the overall vote.
Example: In the 2019 UK general election, the Green Party won only one seat despite receiving nearly 900,000 votes nationwide, while the Scottish National Party won 48 seats with 1.2 million votes due to their geographically concentrated support.
- Encourages Tactical Voting: FPTP can lead voters to support candidates they believe have the best chance of winning, rather than their preferred choice, potentially distorting the true preferences of the electorate.
Strengths of FPTP
Despite its drawbacks, FPTP does have some advantages:
-
Simplicity: FPTP is easy to understand and implement, with voters simply choosing one candidate in their constituency.
-
Clear Local Representation: Each constituency has a single representative, providing a clear point of contact for local issues.
-
Typically Produces Majority Governments: FPTP often results in single-party majority governments, which can lead to more stable and decisive governance.
In conclusion, while both AMS and FPTP have their merits, AMS offers a more balanced approach that combines local representation with overall proportionality. This makes it particularly suitable for diverse political landscapes like Scotland, where it helps ensure that a wide range of political views are represented in parliament.
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Additional Member System (AMS) Voting
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation. This page explores the key features and advantages of AMS compared to FPTP.
Stronger Link Between Public and Representatives
AMS provides a stronger connection between the public and their elected representatives compared to FPTP. Under AMS, voters have two votes - one for a constituency candidate and one for a party list. This dual voting system increases the likelihood that at least one of the voter's choices will be represented in parliament.
Example: In Central Ayrshire, even if a Labour voter's constituency candidate loses to the SNP, their party list vote could still help Labour gain regional seats in parliament.
This system encourages a closer relationship between constituents and their representatives, as voters are more likely to seek assistance from someone they voted for.
More Effective Parliament
AMS leads to a stronger and more diverse parliament compared to FPTP. The proportional element of AMS allows smaller parties to gain representation, leading to a more inclusive decision-making process.
Highlight: In the Scottish Parliament, the SNP has had to form coalitions or make deals with other parties like the Greens or Conservatives to pass legislation, ensuring more voices are heard.
This contrasts with FPTP, where smaller parties can be shut out despite significant vote shares. For instance, in the 2019 UK general election, the Green Party won only one seat despite receiving 900,000 votes nationwide.
Greater Proportionality and Fairer Results
AMS provides a more proportional representation of voter preferences compared to FPTP. This system gives smaller parties a better chance of gaining seats based on their overall vote share.
Example: In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the Conservative Party received approximately 24% of the votes and won around 24% of the seats, demonstrating a close match between votes and representation.
FPTP, on the other hand, can lead to tactical voting and misrepresentation of voter preferences. In some constituencies, voters may support a candidate they don't prefer simply to prevent another party from winning.
Vocabulary: Tactical voting refers to voting for a candidate who is not one's first choice, but has a better chance of defeating an undesired candidate.
While FPTP has some advantages, such as simplicity and clear local representation, AMS offers a more balanced approach that combines local accountability with overall proportionality.
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.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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