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25/09/2025
Politics
Electoral Systems Essay and Plan
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25 Sept 2025
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What is the Best Electoral System for Democracy? FPTP vs AMS Explained for A Level Politics
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Advantages of the Additional Member System (AMS)
This section delves into the benefits of AMS in promoting representative democracy. It focuses on the system's ability to produce more proportional results and foster diverse political representation.
Example: The d'Hondt formula used in AMS makes it harder for parties with many constituency seats to win regional seats, effectively removing the concept of a 'winner's bonus'.
AMS encourages more parties to participate in elections, representing a wider range of ideologies. This diversity can potentially increase voter turnout. The system also facilitates coalition governments, allowing multiple parties to have input on policy-making.
Highlight: AMS performs well in facilitating representation of a wider section of society, promoting a more inclusive democratic process.
The section also addresses potential drawbacks of AMS, such as its complexity and the possibility of voter confusion due to split-ticket voting. However, it argues that these issues are minimal compared to the problems associated with FPTP.
Vocabulary: Split-ticket voting refers to the practice of voting for different parties in constituency and regional ballots in AMS.
Disadvantages of First Past the Post (FPTP)
This section critically examines the shortcomings of FPTP in promoting representative democracy. It highlights issues such as vote distortion, lack of voter choice, and disproportionate results.
Highlight: FPTP's 'winner-takes-all' approach often results in a lack of voter choice and disproportionate representation.
The concept of 'one person, one vote' is challenged in FPTP due to the existence of safe and swing seats. Voters in swing constituencies tend to have a bigger impact than those in safe seats, creating inequality in the value of votes.
Example: In FPTP, the governing party rarely receives more than 50% of the electorate's votes, potentially questioning its legitimacy.
The section argues that these inequalities make FPTP less effective and representative than AMS in promoting democratic principles.
Quote: "As a result, the inequalities brought about by FPTP result in the system being less effective and representative than AMS."
Comparing FPTP and AMS: Final Considerations
This final section presents arguments in favor of FPTP, highlighting its simplicity, strong MP-constituency links, and tendency to form strong governments. These factors are considered in the context of promoting representative democracy.
Highlight: FPTP is praised for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to achieve clear electoral outcomes.
However, the section also notes potential drawbacks of FPTP, such as the formation of coalition governments, which can be seen as less stable or effective.
The analysis concludes by reiterating the overall argument that AMS is more effective at promoting representative democracy, despite some advantages of FPTP.
Example: AMS allows for more diverse policy input through coalition governments, potentially representing a wider cross-section of society.
This comprehensive comparison of FPTP advantages and disadvantages and the benefits of AMS provides valuable insights for students studying A Level Politics and those interested in understanding different electoral systems used in the UK.
Introduction to Electoral Systems
This section introduces the comparison between First Past the Post (FPTP) and the Additional Member System (AMS) in terms of their effectiveness in promoting representative democracy. The analysis aims to evaluate which system better reflects the will of the people.
Definition: Representative democracy is a system that reflects the will of the people through elected representatives.
The introduction acknowledges that both systems have benefits and drawbacks. FPTP is noted for its simplicity, tendency to produce strong single-party governments, and clear MP-constituency links. AMS, on the other hand, is highlighted for its more proportional results, split-ticket voting, and lack of a 'winner's bonus'.
Highlight: The essay argues that AMS is more effective at promoting representative democracy compared to FPTP.
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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 Best Electoral System for Democracy? FPTP vs AMS Explained for A Level Politics
First Past the Post (FPTP) vs Additional Member System (AMS): Evaluating Electoral Systems for Democracy
This analysis compares the effectiveness of FPTP and AMS in promoting representative democracy, examining their advantages and disadvantages.
Key points:
• AMS provides more proportional... Show more
Advantages of the Additional Member System (AMS)
This section delves into the benefits of AMS in promoting representative democracy. It focuses on the system's ability to produce more proportional results and foster diverse political representation.
Example: The d'Hondt formula used in AMS makes it harder for parties with many constituency seats to win regional seats, effectively removing the concept of a 'winner's bonus'.
AMS encourages more parties to participate in elections, representing a wider range of ideologies. This diversity can potentially increase voter turnout. The system also facilitates coalition governments, allowing multiple parties to have input on policy-making.
Highlight: AMS performs well in facilitating representation of a wider section of society, promoting a more inclusive democratic process.
The section also addresses potential drawbacks of AMS, such as its complexity and the possibility of voter confusion due to split-ticket voting. However, it argues that these issues are minimal compared to the problems associated with FPTP.
Vocabulary: Split-ticket voting refers to the practice of voting for different parties in constituency and regional ballots in AMS.
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Disadvantages of First Past the Post (FPTP)
This section critically examines the shortcomings of FPTP in promoting representative democracy. It highlights issues such as vote distortion, lack of voter choice, and disproportionate results.
Highlight: FPTP's 'winner-takes-all' approach often results in a lack of voter choice and disproportionate representation.
The concept of 'one person, one vote' is challenged in FPTP due to the existence of safe and swing seats. Voters in swing constituencies tend to have a bigger impact than those in safe seats, creating inequality in the value of votes.
Example: In FPTP, the governing party rarely receives more than 50% of the electorate's votes, potentially questioning its legitimacy.
The section argues that these inequalities make FPTP less effective and representative than AMS in promoting democratic principles.
Quote: "As a result, the inequalities brought about by FPTP result in the system being less effective and representative than AMS."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Comparing FPTP and AMS: Final Considerations
This final section presents arguments in favor of FPTP, highlighting its simplicity, strong MP-constituency links, and tendency to form strong governments. These factors are considered in the context of promoting representative democracy.
Highlight: FPTP is praised for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to achieve clear electoral outcomes.
However, the section also notes potential drawbacks of FPTP, such as the formation of coalition governments, which can be seen as less stable or effective.
The analysis concludes by reiterating the overall argument that AMS is more effective at promoting representative democracy, despite some advantages of FPTP.
Example: AMS allows for more diverse policy input through coalition governments, potentially representing a wider cross-section of society.
This comprehensive comparison of FPTP advantages and disadvantages and the benefits of AMS provides valuable insights for students studying A Level Politics and those interested in understanding different electoral systems used in the UK.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Introduction to Electoral Systems
This section introduces the comparison between First Past the Post (FPTP) and the Additional Member System (AMS) in terms of their effectiveness in promoting representative democracy. The analysis aims to evaluate which system better reflects the will of the people.
Definition: Representative democracy is a system that reflects the will of the people through elected representatives.
The introduction acknowledges that both systems have benefits and drawbacks. FPTP is noted for its simplicity, tendency to produce strong single-party governments, and clear MP-constituency links. AMS, on the other hand, is highlighted for its more proportional results, split-ticket voting, and lack of a 'winner's bonus'.
Highlight: The essay argues that AMS is more effective at promoting representative democracy compared to FPTP.
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.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
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