Introduction to Electoral Systems

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the vote did the Labour Party achieve in the 2005 UK elections?

32.3%

35.3% (correct)

28.5%

30.0%

In a Two-Round System (TRS), what happens if a candidate does not achieve an absolute majority in the first round?

All candidates compete again in a third round.

Some candidates may be eliminated for a second vote. (correct)

Votes are redistributed among the remaining candidates.

The candidate is automatically elected.

Which voting system allows voters to rank their candidate preferences?

List Proportional Representation

Block Vote

Single Transferable Vote

Alternative Vote (correct)

What is the primary characteristic of Proportional Representation?

It translates a percentage of votes directly into a percentage of seats. Signup and view all the answers

In the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, what is the purpose of compensatory seats?

To balance the overall proportionality in representation. Signup and view all the answers

Which system involves multi-member districts where voters select a party and seats are allocated based on vote percentage?

List Proportional Representation Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of majoritarian systems?

They offer two clear-cut choices for voters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system?

Voters allocate votes to multiple parties simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of elections in a representative democracy?

To express citizens' views on politics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems primarily involves voters selecting from party lists?

Proportional Representation Signup and view all the answers

What type of voting system awards seats based on the candidate with the most votes in single-member districts?

Single-Member Plurality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of electoral regulations?

They include requirements for ballot access Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the system where only the candidate with the majority of votes wins?

Majority Voting Signup and view all the answers

How do electoral systems influence government formation?

They affect the representation of parties in government Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a dimension addressed by electoral regulations?

Design of party platforms Signup and view all the answers

In which countries is compulsory voting practiced?

Austria and Belgium Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the FPTP electoral system concerning votes and seats?

It translates votes into seats, minimizing unfairness. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of PR systems mentioned in the content?

They can give disproportionate power to smaller parties. Signup and view all the answers

How does the FPTP system impact political parties?

It requires parties to attract widespread support. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'winning bonus' refer to in the context of electoral systems?

The advantage of parties that receive the most votes. Signup and view all the answers

According to Duverger's laws, what type of electoral system is likely to lead to bipartisan competition?

Plurality system (FPTP). Signup and view all the answers

What is often cited as a complexity arising from PR systems?

Fragmented party structures leading to instability. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lavau suggest about the role of the electoral system?

It is largely determined by existing social and political conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of electoral systems can affect minority representation?

The votes-to-seats ratio in the system. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a cohabitation scenario in a semi-presidential regime?

The government possesses more power than the president. Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the legislature has the authority to initiate a motion of no confidence against the government?

The National Assembly Signup and view all the answers

What electoral system is described as a majoritarian system with a two-turn process?

Single-member constituencies Signup and view all the answers

In the Netherlands, what body is primarily responsible for the legislative function?

The Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the consensual system mentioned in the content?

Several societal cleavages are addressed by multiple parties. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the composition of the Eerste Kamer?

75 members elected through provincial councils. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the term 'asymmetric bicameralism' in the context of legislative power?

One chamber has significantly more power than the other. Signup and view all the answers

What type of government does the Netherlands employ based on the given content?

Constitutional monarchy with dual executive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Parliament in Germany?

Legislate and control the executive Signup and view all the answers

What threshold must be met for a party to gain representation in the German Parliament?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the Indian Parliament is directly elected?

Lok Sabha Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Prime Minister of India primarily hold?

Head of Executive Signup and view all the answers

In the mixed member proportional system of Germany, how many votes does a citizen cast?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Which body in Germany represents the Länder?

Bundesrat Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of the 5% electoral threshold in Germany?

Multi-party alliances formation Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature distinguishes the Rajya Sabha from the Lok Sabha in India?

Indirect election by state legislatures Signup and view all the answers

What is one major disadvantage of majoritarian electoral systems regarding representation?

They tend to produce a high number of wasted votes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the First Past the Post (FPTP) system affect the representation of women?

Women are less likely to be elected than under proportional representation systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of gerrymandering in electoral systems?

Manipulation of constituency boundaries leading to unfair advantages. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant pro of majoritarian electoral systems?

They provide clear-cut choices for voters. Signup and view all the answers

What concern is raised about the 'winning/seat bonus' in FPTP systems?

It can lead to a disproportionate ratio of votes to seats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the simplicity of majoritarian electoral systems?

It tends to exclude extremist parties from representation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a con regarding the strength of opposition under majoritarian systems?

It may weaken the role of opposition parties in the legislature. Signup and view all the answers

How can majoritarian systems influence political party development?

They support the emergence of regional or ethnic-based parties. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Elections are the core of representative democracy, serving as the primary mechanism for citizens to express political views.
Elections are necessary as not all people can directly participate in decision-making.
Elections establish legitimacy by creating representation and accountability, alongside the formation of a government.
Electoral systems impact party systems, government formation, intra-party dynamics, and the degree of representativity.

Electoral Regulations

Extent of the franchise (voting rights) varies slightly among modern democracies, with age limits being a common criterion.
Voting is predominantly voluntary, with exceptions in countries like Austria and Belgium.
Ballot access requirements tend to be more challenging in candidate-centered systems compared to party-centered ones.
Presidential terms are typically fixed, while parliamentary terms are constitutionally capped.

Electoral Systems

Electoral systems govern the conversion of votes into seats, translating general election votes into parliamentary representation for parties and candidates.

Majoritarian Systems

Voters choose from multiple candidates, with the individual receiving the majority of votes winning the election.

Proportional Representation Systems

Voters select from party lists, and seats are awarded based on the proportion of votes each party receives.

Mixed Systems

Combines elements of single-member districts with proportional representation systems, with adjustments for proportional representation.
This involves a direct election in single-member districts alongside additional compensatory seats to reflect proportional representation.
Systems like the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) model apply.

Types of Electoral Systems

Plurality/Majority:
- First-past-the-post (FPTP)
- Two-rounds system (TRS)
- Block vote (BV)
- Party block vote (PBV)
- Alternative vote (AV)
Proportional:
- List PR
- Single Transferable Vote (STV)
Mixed:
- Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)
- Parallel

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

First round of voting; if a majority is achieved, the candidate wins.
If no majority, candidates are eliminated, and further voting rounds occur.
The system tends to favor larger parties, allowing for a clear majority.

Two Round System (TRS)

Similar to FPTP; candidates need an absolute majority

Block Vote (BV)

Voters can cast multiple votes.
Candidates with the highest totals are elected.

Alternative Vote (AV)

Voters rank candidate preferences.

Proportional Representation (List PR)

Seats are assigned based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
"Open" or "closed" candidate lists influence voter selection of individuals.
Thresholds impact representation for smaller parties.

Single Transferable Vote (STV)

Multi-member districts apply.
Voters rank candidates.
Seats are allocated based on ranked preferences.
A necessary threshold for election is applied.

Impact of Electoral Systems on Elections

Laws influence party competition (bipartisan or multi-party).
Electoral systems impact the distribution of seats and the formation of governments.
Example cases include France (pre and post 1957 voting systems) which illustrates how changes to electoral systems can impact political stability.

Electoral System Effect (Mechanical and Psychological)

Mechanical: Mathematical impact on proportionality and number of parties.
Psychological: Behavioral changes in parties, candidates, and voters are influenced by electoral rules.
Thresholds, constituency size, and election structures influence the voting process.
Effects on election campaigns, links between candidates and citizens, and partisan discipline.
Effect on the quality of democracy, including a quicker government formation and more stable governments in areas where proportionality is greater.

Specific Examples

France (semi-presidential system), Netherlands, Germany, India.
Details include the party system, legislative power (bicameral or unicameral), electoral system, and the form of government (parliamentary or presidential).

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of electoral systems and their significance in representative democracy. It discusses the role of elections in establishing legitimacy, the variations in voting rights, and the impact of different electoral regulations. Test your knowledge on the complexity of electoral systems and their influence on government formation.