Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two types of votes cast in a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system?
What are the two types of votes cast in a Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system?
- A single vote for the majority party
- Two votes for candidates
- One vote for a party and one for an independent candidate
- One vote for a district candidate and one for a party (correct)
How does the MMP system enhance accountability for district representatives?
How does the MMP system enhance accountability for district representatives?
- By making party representatives accountable to the government
- By rotating representatives every election cycle
- By providing clear electoral boundaries and responsibilities (correct)
- By allowing unlimited party votes
What challenge does the proportional nature of the MMP system introduce to governance?
What challenge does the proportional nature of the MMP system introduce to governance?
- It guarantees an absolute majority for one party
- It leads to political apathy among voters
- It simplifies passing legislation during crises
- It complicates decision-making due to coalition governments (correct)
Which of the following is a disadvantage of the SMDP system highlighted in the content?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of the SMDP system highlighted in the content?
What problem is reduced in the MMP system compared to other electoral systems?
What problem is reduced in the MMP system compared to other electoral systems?
In terms of representation, what advantage does the MMP system provide?
In terms of representation, what advantage does the MMP system provide?
What potential advantage does a Single-Member District Plurality (SMDP) system offer over MMP?
What potential advantage does a Single-Member District Plurality (SMDP) system offer over MMP?
Which electoral system is used in the UK that contrasts with the MMP system?
Which electoral system is used in the UK that contrasts with the MMP system?
What is a significant reason for the misrepresentation of the electorate in the First-Past-The-Post system?
What is a significant reason for the misrepresentation of the electorate in the First-Past-The-Post system?
What is one advantage of the FPTP electoral system?
What is one advantage of the FPTP electoral system?
In Germany, what threshold must a party meet to receive a seat in the Bundestag?
In Germany, what threshold must a party meet to receive a seat in the Bundestag?
How does the electoral college primarily determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections?
How does the electoral college primarily determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections?
What was a notable outcome in the 2024 general election in the UK regarding the Labour party?
What was a notable outcome in the 2024 general election in the UK regarding the Labour party?
Which system is utilized by New Zealand to decide seat allocations in their elections?
Which system is utilized by New Zealand to decide seat allocations in their elections?
What is a critical criticism of the electoral college system in the United States?
What is a critical criticism of the electoral college system in the United States?
What can be considered a disadvantage of the closed list party system?
What can be considered a disadvantage of the closed list party system?
In what way does the FPTP system discourage voting for smaller parties?
In what way does the FPTP system discourage voting for smaller parties?
What role do electors play in the U.S. presidential election system?
What role do electors play in the U.S. presidential election system?
What is the principle behind the electoral college system's winner-takes-all approach?
What is the principle behind the electoral college system's winner-takes-all approach?
What is a common consequence of gerrymandering in electoral systems?
What is a common consequence of gerrymandering in electoral systems?
What does the electoral college require for a candidate to win the presidency?
What does the electoral college require for a candidate to win the presidency?
Why might some argue the winner-takes-all nature of the electoral college is undemocratic?
Why might some argue the winner-takes-all nature of the electoral college is undemocratic?
Flashcards
MMP System (Mixed Member Proportional)
MMP System (Mixed Member Proportional)
An electoral system that combines features of both proportional representation (PR) and single-member district (SMDP) systems, allowing voters to cast two votes - one for a specific candidate and one for a party.
SMDP (Single Member District Plurality)
SMDP (Single Member District Plurality)
A voting system where a single candidate is elected from each electoral district based on who receives the most votes, regardless of the overall percentage of votes received.
Proportional Representation (PR)
Proportional Representation (PR)
A voting system that aims to allocate seats in a legislature proportionally to the percentage of votes each party receives, allowing for greater representation of smaller parties.
District Vote
District Vote
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Party Vote
Party Vote
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Coalition Governments in MMP Systems
Coalition Governments in MMP Systems
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Proportional Representation in MMP Systems
Proportional Representation in MMP Systems
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Voter Choice in MMP Systems
Voter Choice in MMP Systems
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First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)
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Mixed Member Proportional with Threshold
Mixed Member Proportional with Threshold
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Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)
Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)
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Closed List System
Closed List System
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Proportional Representation
Proportional Representation
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Winner-Takes-All
Winner-Takes-All
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Electoral College
Electoral College
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Majoritarian System
Majoritarian System
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Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering
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Tactical Voting
Tactical Voting
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Minority Government
Minority Government
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Coalition Government
Coalition Government
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Swing State
Swing State
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Single-Member District Plurality
Single-Member District Plurality
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Parliamentary System
Parliamentary System
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Study Notes
Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) Systems
- MMP combines proportional and single-member district systems
- Voters cast two votes: one for a candidate in their district (plurality system), and one for a party (party list).
- Used in Germany and New Zealand
- Advantages of MMP:
- Direct representation through district representatives
- Accountability and clarity of responsibility
- Proportional representation of parties in the legislature, reducing misrepresentation of voter will
- Encourages voter choice and reduces tactical voting, allowing smaller parties to be represented
- Disadvantages of MMP:
- Can lead to coalition governments that may be less stable and efficient, especially in times of crisis
- A threshold for party representation (e.g., 5% in Germany) can exclude smaller parties
- Closed party lists in systems like New Zealand can limit voter influence and potentially promote corruption
First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) Systems
- FPTP is a majoritarian, single-member district plurality system (UK).
- Voters elect a candidate for their constituency, the party with the most constituencies forms the government.
- Advantages of FPTP:
- Simple, straightforward systems
- Leads to single-party governments, enabling strong mandates and quick decision-making in crises
- High accountability and clarity of responsibility, as voters know who to contact and representatives know their constituency.
- Disadvantages of FPTP
- Misrepresentation of the overall voter population, even if a party wins a majority of votes
- Wasted votes and difficulty for smaller parties
- Encourages tactical voting, leading to a two-party system
US Electoral College
- The US Presidential election system utilizes the Electoral College, not direct popular vote.
- Each state is allocated electors equal to its Congressional representation (Senators + Representatives).
- The winner-takes-all system in most states awards all electoral college votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state
- Candidates need a majority of 270 electoral college votes to win.
- Advantages of the Electoral College
- States with smaller population have a voice.
- Disadvantages of the Electoral College
- Not representative of the national popular vote.
- Undue influence of swing states can lead to candidate focus solely on these states
- Electoral college can be manipulated through gerrymandering
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