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29 Jul 2022
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Understanding UK Voting Systems: First Past the Post, Proportional Representation, and AMS
R
Rosie
@rosie_321
Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System is a hybrid voting system used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament . It aims to reduce the gap between the percentage of seats and the percentage of votes a party receives, making it more proportional than FPTP.
Definition: AMS is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of First Past the Post with proportional representation.
Under AMS, voters have two votes:
- A constituency vote to elect MSPs for specific constituencies
- A regional vote to elect regional MSPs, with 7 MSPs elected from each of the 8 regions
The regional vote results are calculated using the d'Hondt formula, which helps balance out the disproportionality that might occur in the constituency vote.
Example: In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP won 59 constituency seats but only 4 regional seats, demonstrating how the system compensates for strong performance in one area.
AMS increases proportionality and rewards parties more fairly for the votes they receive. For instance, in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the Green Party received 4.7% of seats with 6.6% of the vote. This is more proportional compared to the 2015 UK general election under FPTP, where the SNP won 95% of Scottish seats at Westminster with only 50% of the vote.
Highlight: AMS provides voters with more choice, as it increases the number of parties and candidates standing in the second ballot.
In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, there were 23 parties on the second ballot in Glasgow and the Lothians, giving voters a wider range of options. This system also allows voters to potentially have access to 8 MSPs, increasing their chances of finding a representative who shares their views.
However, AMS is not without its criticisms. Voters have no say in the order a party ranks its list MPs, and parties are not required to register their candidates on the ballot paper. This lack of transparency can lead to situations where voters may end up with an unknown representative as their MSP.
First Past the Post (FPTP) System
First Past the Post is the electoral system used for UK general elections to elect Members of Parliament . It is a winner-takes-all system where the country is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing one MP.
Definition: First Past the Post is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve an overall majority.
The FPTP system is known for its simplicity and quick results. For example, Newcastle Central announced its results in just 1 hour and 27 minutes during a recent election. This speed and simplicity are key reasons for maintaining the system.
Highlight: FPTP often results in a clear winner, potentially providing a strong and stable government.
Historically, FPTP has frequently led to one party emerging as the clear winner, as seen with Tony Blair's victories in 1997, 2001, and 2005, and Boris Johnson's win in 2019. This outcome is often viewed as beneficial for providing a stable government with a clear mandate.
However, the system has faced criticism for its lack of proportionality. In the 2019 general election, the Liberal Democrats received 11.5% of the vote but only 1.7% of the seats. Under a proportional representation system, they would have won approximately 75 seats.
Example: In the 2015 general election, the Conservative Party won 50.9% of the seats with only 36.9% of the vote, highlighting the potential disparity between votes cast and seats won under FPTP.
Critics argue that FPTP leads to many wasted votes and doesn't always provide a fair representation of the electorate's wishes. Additionally, while FPTP is often praised for producing stable governments, recent UK political history has shown that this is not always the case, with hung parliaments and coalitions occurring in 2010 and 2017.
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
Understanding UK Voting Systems: First Past the Post, Proportional Representation, and AMS
R
Rosie
@rosie_321
The UK employs various electoral systems, with First Past the Post (FPTP) being the primary method for general elections, while Scotland uses the Additional Member System (AMS) for its parliament and Single Transferable Vote (STV)for local council elections. Each... Show more
Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System is a hybrid voting system used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament . It aims to reduce the gap between the percentage of seats and the percentage of votes a party receives, making it more proportional than FPTP.
Definition: AMS is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of First Past the Post with proportional representation.
Under AMS, voters have two votes:
- A constituency vote to elect MSPs for specific constituencies
- A regional vote to elect regional MSPs, with 7 MSPs elected from each of the 8 regions
The regional vote results are calculated using the d'Hondt formula, which helps balance out the disproportionality that might occur in the constituency vote.
Example: In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP won 59 constituency seats but only 4 regional seats, demonstrating how the system compensates for strong performance in one area.
AMS increases proportionality and rewards parties more fairly for the votes they receive. For instance, in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the Green Party received 4.7% of seats with 6.6% of the vote. This is more proportional compared to the 2015 UK general election under FPTP, where the SNP won 95% of Scottish seats at Westminster with only 50% of the vote.
Highlight: AMS provides voters with more choice, as it increases the number of parties and candidates standing in the second ballot.
In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, there were 23 parties on the second ballot in Glasgow and the Lothians, giving voters a wider range of options. This system also allows voters to potentially have access to 8 MSPs, increasing their chances of finding a representative who shares their views.
However, AMS is not without its criticisms. Voters have no say in the order a party ranks its list MPs, and parties are not required to register their candidates on the ballot paper. This lack of transparency can lead to situations where voters may end up with an unknown representative as their MSP.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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First Past the Post (FPTP) System
First Past the Post is the electoral system used for UK general elections to elect Members of Parliament . It is a winner-takes-all system where the country is divided into 650 constituencies, each electing one MP.
Definition: First Past the Post is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve an overall majority.
The FPTP system is known for its simplicity and quick results. For example, Newcastle Central announced its results in just 1 hour and 27 minutes during a recent election. This speed and simplicity are key reasons for maintaining the system.
Highlight: FPTP often results in a clear winner, potentially providing a strong and stable government.
Historically, FPTP has frequently led to one party emerging as the clear winner, as seen with Tony Blair's victories in 1997, 2001, and 2005, and Boris Johnson's win in 2019. This outcome is often viewed as beneficial for providing a stable government with a clear mandate.
However, the system has faced criticism for its lack of proportionality. In the 2019 general election, the Liberal Democrats received 11.5% of the vote but only 1.7% of the seats. Under a proportional representation system, they would have won approximately 75 seats.
Example: In the 2015 general election, the Conservative Party won 50.9% of the seats with only 36.9% of the vote, highlighting the potential disparity between votes cast and seats won under FPTP.
Critics argue that FPTP leads to many wasted votes and doesn't always provide a fair representation of the electorate's wishes. Additionally, while FPTP is often praised for producing stable governments, recent UK political history has shown that this is not always the case, with hung parliaments and coalitions occurring in 2010 and 2017.
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