1. Arguments FOR and AGAINST AMS
Higher Modern Studies

2. Lesson Starter

3. What will I learn?
About the voting system used in the Scottish Parliament. 3

4. Success Criteria
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the system.
Assess the impact of the system 4

5. FOR
PROPORTIONALITY – AMS produces a fairly proportional result but still maintains a clear link between the voters and their representatives. People have a constituency MSP who they can identify with and go to with their problems.

6. 2. COALITION GOVERNMENT – can be effective government that is willing to listen to different perspectives. The Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition in the Scottish Parliament ( ) introduced a number of policies that are dramatically different from the views of Labour controlled Westminster. For example, an end to tuition fees for Scottish university students.

7. 3. WASTED VOTES – Votes are not wasted under AMS
3. WASTED VOTES – Votes are not wasted under AMS. Even if a party has no chance of winning a seat under the FPTP aspect, it can win party list seats as the Scottish Greens and Scottish Socialists have done. This may encourage more voters to participate.

8. 4. BETTER REPRESENTATION – AMS allows a wider variety of views to be expressed. Under FPTP, the system is dominated by the two largest parties – Conservative and Labour. However, under AMS, smaller parties such as the Greens have gained representation.

9. AGAINST
1. CHOICE OF CANDIDATES – As the party list aspect is used, some would argue that too much power is given to the party in choosing candidates. Often people like to know WHO they are voting for – personality and personal qualities are important in politics.

10. 2. CONFLICT – The system elects two types of representative – constituency MSPs and Regional MSPs. Ill feeling can result from one group claiming superiority over the other. For example, constituency MSPs may think they are more important because people elected them directly. Regional MSPs may believe they have a greater workload because they represent a larger area.

11. 3. CONFUSION – The Scottish Parliament has constituency and regional MSPs. This may confuse people who may be unsure whom to contact if a problem arises. Also, people are put off voting because they do not understand the AMS.

12. 4. EXTREMIST PARTIES – Some people are worried that extremist parties may have some representatives elected. This may provide them with a platform for their extremist views and allow them to secure even more support. The British National Party is a good example.