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Logan McKinnon
26/08/2025
Modern Studies
Voting Systems: Weaknesses of AMS
209
•
26 Aug 2025
•
What is the AMS Voting System? Advantages, Disadvantages, and Examples for Kids
Disadvantages of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a voting system used in various countries, including Scotland, that aims to combine elements of constituency representation with proportional representation. However, it comes with several significant drawbacks that can impact the electoral process and governance.
Complex to Understand
One of the primary disadvantages of the AMS voting system is its complexity. The system requires voters to use two different ballots, which can be confusing for many. Additionally, the formula used to elect regional Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) is often difficult for the average voter to comprehend.
Example: In the AMS, voters cast one vote for their constituency representative and another for a party list, which determines the allocation of additional seats to achieve proportionality.
Unrepresentative Government
The AMS can lead to outcomes that some may perceive as unrepresentative. This is particularly evident in the formation of governments after elections.
Highlight: The most common results of AMS elections are coalition or minority governments, which often require parties to negotiate and form alliances after the election.
These post-election deals can result in policy compromises that voters didn't explicitly support during the election. This situation raises questions about the true representation of the electorate's wishes.
Example: Following the 2021 Scottish election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) had to rely on support from the Green Party. This gave the Greens, who only received about 8% of the vote, a disproportionate influence on government policy.
Lack of Accountability
The AMS creates two types of MSPs: constituency MSPs and regional MSPs. This dual system can lead to confusion among constituents about which representative to approach with their concerns.
Vocabulary: Constituency MSPs are elected directly to represent a specific geographic area, while regional MSPs are elected from party lists to represent larger regions.
The presence of MSPs from different parties representing the same area can further complicate the accountability process.
Example: In the 2021 election, the South of Scotland region included three Conservative MSPs, three Labour MSPs, and one SNP MSP, while the Ayr Constituency within that region was represented by an SNP MSP.
Disproportionate Representation
Despite its aim to improve proportionality, the AMS can sometimes produce results that appear disproportionate, especially at the regional level.
Example: In the 2021 South of Scotland Region election, the SNP received 37% of the vote but only one regional MSP, while the Conservatives, with 33% of the vote, secured three regional MSPs.
This outcome demonstrates that even systems designed to enhance proportionality can sometimes produce results that seem unfair or unrepresentative to some voters.
In conclusion, while the Additional Member System (AMS) aims to balance constituency representation with overall proportionality, its disadvantages – including complexity, potential for unrepresentative governments, accountability issues, and occasional disproportionate outcomes – highlight the challenges in designing a perfect electoral system. Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for voters and policymakers alike when considering the merits and limitations of different voting systems.
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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
What is the AMS Voting System? Advantages, Disadvantages, and Examples for Kids
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a mixed electoral system that combines elements of first-past-the-post and proportional representation. While it aims to create a more balanced representation, it has several notable disadvantages.
Key disadvantages of the Additional Member System (AMS)... Show more
Disadvantages of the Additional Member System (AMS)
The Additional Member System (AMS) is a voting system used in various countries, including Scotland, that aims to combine elements of constituency representation with proportional representation. However, it comes with several significant drawbacks that can impact the electoral process and governance.
Complex to Understand
One of the primary disadvantages of the AMS voting system is its complexity. The system requires voters to use two different ballots, which can be confusing for many. Additionally, the formula used to elect regional Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) is often difficult for the average voter to comprehend.
Example: In the AMS, voters cast one vote for their constituency representative and another for a party list, which determines the allocation of additional seats to achieve proportionality.
Unrepresentative Government
The AMS can lead to outcomes that some may perceive as unrepresentative. This is particularly evident in the formation of governments after elections.
Highlight: The most common results of AMS elections are coalition or minority governments, which often require parties to negotiate and form alliances after the election.
These post-election deals can result in policy compromises that voters didn't explicitly support during the election. This situation raises questions about the true representation of the electorate's wishes.
Example: Following the 2021 Scottish election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) had to rely on support from the Green Party. This gave the Greens, who only received about 8% of the vote, a disproportionate influence on government policy.
Lack of Accountability
The AMS creates two types of MSPs: constituency MSPs and regional MSPs. This dual system can lead to confusion among constituents about which representative to approach with their concerns.
Vocabulary: Constituency MSPs are elected directly to represent a specific geographic area, while regional MSPs are elected from party lists to represent larger regions.
The presence of MSPs from different parties representing the same area can further complicate the accountability process.
Example: In the 2021 election, the South of Scotland region included three Conservative MSPs, three Labour MSPs, and one SNP MSP, while the Ayr Constituency within that region was represented by an SNP MSP.
Disproportionate Representation
Despite its aim to improve proportionality, the AMS can sometimes produce results that appear disproportionate, especially at the regional level.
Example: In the 2021 South of Scotland Region election, the SNP received 37% of the vote but only one regional MSP, while the Conservatives, with 33% of the vote, secured three regional MSPs.
This outcome demonstrates that even systems designed to enhance proportionality can sometimes produce results that seem unfair or unrepresentative to some voters.
In conclusion, while the Additional Member System (AMS) aims to balance constituency representation with overall proportionality, its disadvantages – including complexity, potential for unrepresentative governments, accountability issues, and occasional disproportionate outcomes – highlight the challenges in designing a perfect electoral system. Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for voters and policymakers alike when considering the merits and limitations of different voting systems.
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