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Strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems in the UKWhat are the main types of electoral systems?

A variety of electoral systems are used in the UK and each has its strengths and weaknesses. First Past the Post is used to elect Members of the UK Parliament. The Additional Member System is used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament. The Single Transferable Vote system is used in Scotland to elect local councillors.

Part of Modern StudiesDemocracy in Scotland and the UK

What are the main types of electoral systems?

There are two main types of electoral systems

  • plurality systems, eg First Past the Post (FPTP)
  • proportional representation (PR) or where party representation reflects electoral support

What electoral system does Scotland use?

In Scotland, three different voting systems are used to elect different representatives. Each system has a different way of working and as a result, has different advantages and disadvantages.

SystemRepresentativesYear first used
First Past the Post (FPTP)Members of Parliament (MPs)Original
Additional Member System (AMS)Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)1999
Single Transferable Vote (STV)Local representatives or councillors2007
SystemFirst Past the Post (FPTP)
RepresentativesMembers of Parliament (MPs)
Year first usedOriginal
SystemAdditional Member System (AMS)
RepresentativesMembers of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
Year first used1999
SystemSingle Transferable Vote (STV)
RepresentativesLocal representatives or councillors
Year first used2007
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Elections to the UK Parliament

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