UK Politics- Electoral systems: AMS

What type of system is AMS?

Hybrid system

Which systems are combined by AMS?

FPTP and party-list

What is the party list?

A list of candidates put forward by party leaders (represent on a regional level)

Where is AMS used?

Scottish parliament, Welsh parliament

How does AMS work?

The electorate get 2 votes (one constituency and one regional) one is for an MP and another for a party

What is the effect of AMS on representation?

It allows parties which don't do well under FPTP to still receive some representation. (E.g Green Party) --> More proportional

Example of the Green Party's success under AMS in Scotland-

8 seats in Scottish Parliament (as opposed to 1 seat in Westminster) --> The greens had an agreement with the SNP in which they get 2 ministerial posts (2021)

Main benefits of AMS-

More proportional (reduces the winners bonus by instating a losers bonus), more voter choice--> 2x votes (you can vote for smaller parties on the party list knowing it will matter)

Main disadvantages of AMS-

It is a more complicated voting process/ballot, creates tiers of representatives, retains the issues of FPTP (since it is a hybrid system), leads to coalitions (arguably have less of a mandate)

What % of the vote did Khan win in the 2024 Mayoral Election?

44% -- this is now FPTP so he doesn't need a majority, 56% of the electorate did not want him as mayor