Representation and Elections Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary method used to achieve the allocation of seats in a proportional representation system?

  • Cumulative voting method
  • Single transferable vote method
  • The majority vote method
  • Highest average vote method (correct)

Which formula is used to calculate the quota necessary for a candidate to be elected in the single-transferable-vote system?

  • Saint-Laguë formula
  • Hare formula
  • Droop formula (correct)
  • D'Hondt formula

In a mixed-member proportional system, what are electors required to do?

  • Vote for multiple candidates within a single district
  • Participate only in constituency elections
  • Cast two votes: one for a candidate and another for a party (correct)
  • Select only a party list without individual candidates

What method is employed when the votes are redistributed according to second preferences in the single-transferable-vote system?

<p>Sequential elimination method (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a disadvantage of a single-transferable-vote system?

<p>It may lead to complicated ballot counting and longer election results. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of multiparty systems?

<p>Proportional representation for minorities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is categorized as a highest average system for distributing mandates?

<p>D’Hondt method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes district magnitude?

<p>It can be the same or different across various electoral districts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a multiparty system?

<p>Blurry accountability among coalition partners (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which quota type requires the use of a divisor that includes the number of seats already allocated?

<p>Jefferson method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'quota methods' primarily refer to in electoral systems?

<p>Strategies used to allocate electoral mandates based on set criteria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the highest average methods?

<p>They focus on maximizing representation for smaller parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of proportional representation systems?

<p>The number of seats won by a party is proportional to the number of votes they receive. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a quota method in electoral systems?

<p>A method that requires candidates to obtain a certain threshold of votes to get elected. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you most likely encounter a 'district magnitude' of one?

<p>In a system with only one electoral district (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using a party-list system?

<p>It enhances the representation of minority parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which electoral system would you most likely find the highest average methods applied?

<p>Proportional representation systems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of majoritarian electoral systems?

<p>They can lead to the underrepresentation of smaller parties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the first-past-the-post system generally have on electoral outcomes?

<p>It encourages tactical voting to avoid undesirable candidates winning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral system requires a candidate to receive an absolute majority to win?

<p>Run-off ballot system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of constituency in electoral systems?

<p>They define the geographic boundaries within which votes are cast for representatives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of voter education through elections?

<p>It promotes informed decision-making among the electorate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral principle suggests that representatives should reflect the characteristics of the broader society?

<p>Resemblance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the sociological model in political behavior?

<p>It links political preferences to social group membership. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key critique of the dominant ideology model?

<p>It argues that voter preferences are significantly shaped by elites and media. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the rational choice model's approach to voting?

<p>It suggests that voters act to maximize their individual interests. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of class dealignment as described in political behavior models?

<p>New social groups are emerging that influence voting patterns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which potential dynamic is NOT associated with the rational choice model?

<p>Voting decisions are influenced by social identities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which period was the psychological model of voting preferences developed?

<p>1990s (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does identity voting focus on within political models?

<p>Voting behavior influenced by social identity characteristics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the critical perspective offered by the dominant ideology model?

<p>It highlights the role of elites in decisions made by voters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of party identification according to the Michigan model?

<p>Voters will consistently support their identified party regardless of circumstances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant dynamic related to party identification in the context of voter behavior?

<p>Family socialization plays a substantial role in shaping party preference. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How stable is party identification compared to other political attitudes?

<p>More stable than certain core attitudes like religion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is less relevant in explaining political preferences compared to others?

<p>Rational choice models based on empirical data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes partisan dealignment?

<p>A gradual decrease in the percentage of partisan voters over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions exhibited the least average annual change in partisan voters from 1964 to 2010?

<p>Australia with –0.20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of the Michigan model when applied outside the US context?

<p>It reflects uniquely American political experiences that may not generalize. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have voting behavior research methods evolved from the interwar period onwards?

<p>Integrated empirical models combining insights from economics and behavioral sciences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Trusteeship Theory

Representatives act independently after election, judging what's best for the people, even if different from the electorate's wishes.

Delegate Theory

Representatives mirror the views of the public, lacking independent judgment.

Mandate Theory

Winning an election grants a party the authority to carry out promised policies.

Resemblance Theory

The idea that a representative government should mirror the diversity of the larger society.

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First Past the Post (FPTP)

Electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.

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Single-Member Constituency (SMC)

An electoral district that elects one representative.

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Absolute Majority

A candidate must receive more than half of the votes to win.

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Alternative Vote (AV)

Voters rank candidates in order of preference; a candidate with a majority of first preferences wins.

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Electoral System

Set of rules that governs how elections are conducted.

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Functions of Elections

The purposes of elections, including recruiting leaders, forming governments, representing the people, influencing policy, and building legitimacy.

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What is a multimember constituency?

An electoral district that elects multiple representatives.

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What is a quota in proportional systems?

The minimum number of votes needed to elect a candidate in a proportional system, calculated using the Droop formula.

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How are votes redistributed in proportional systems?

When a candidate is eliminated, their votes are redistributed according to the voters' next preference.

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What are the two votes cast in a mixed-member proportional system?

One vote for a candidate in the constituency election, and another for a party in the party-list system.

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Party List System

A system in which parties create lists of candidates, and the number of seats allocated to each party is determined by the proportion of votes they receive.

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District Magnitude

The number of seats available to be filled in a district for an election

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Proportional Representation

An electoral system attempting to allocate seats according to the proportion of votes received by each party

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Coalition Government

A government formed by a coalition of multiple political parties

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Quota Method

Methods that compute a minimum amount of votes required to obtain a seat in an election

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Hare Quota

A vote-to-seat division calculation method used in election quota calculation

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Largest Remainder System

An electoral method used in determining the allocation of seats in multi-member districts based on remaining partial votes for assigning leftover seats.

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Highest Average System

An electoral system where each party's number of votes is divided repeatedly by a divisor (that increases) to determine the allocation of seats.

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Electoral Threshold

The minimum percentage of votes needed for a political party to win a seat in an election in a given country/jurisdiction.

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Voting Behavior

The study of how individuals make political choices, such as who to vote for and how to participate in elections.

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Party Identification Model

A model of voting behavior suggesting that voters develop a strong attachment to a particular political party and consistently vote for that party.

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What is partisan dealignment?

The decline in the strength of party identification among voters, leading to less consistent voting patterns.

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Michigan Model

Another term for the Party Identification Model, developed at the University of Michigan in the 1950s.

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Factors influencing voting?

These include party identification, social groups, economic status, values, and individual beliefs.

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Deductive reasoning

A method of research that starts with general principles and applies them to specific cases.

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Empirical models

Models that use data to test hypotheses and understand real-world phenomena.

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Psychological research

Studying how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence their political decisions.

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Social Groups in Politics

The sociological model suggests that political preferences and actions are linked to individual membership in specific social groups and that these groups tend to have similar political views.

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Opinion Leadership

In the sociological model, certain individuals within social groups act as opinion leaders, influencing the political views of others in the group.

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Identity Voting

Voting based primarily on one's group identity rather than specific political issues.

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Class Dealignment

A decline in voting patterns based on social class, with new groups and identities emerging as influential factors in politics.

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Instrumental Voting

In rational choice theory, voters act strategically to further their own interests, choosing candidates or policies that best serve their individual needs.

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Issue Voting

Voting based on specific policy positions and the stance of candidates on those issues.

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Dominant Ideology Model

This model argues that political decisions are not made independently by voters, but are shaped by elites and media, influencing public opinion.

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Psychological Model

This model focuses on individual psychological factors like personality traits, values, and beliefs to explain voting behavior.

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Study Notes

Representation and Elections

  • Representation theories include trusteeship, delegate, mandate, and resemblance
  • Trusteeship (Edmund Burke): Representatives act independently, believing the public doesn't always know their best interests.
  • Delegate: Representatives mirror the views of the electorate, having limited independent judgment.
  • Mandate: Winning an election grants a party authority to implement the policies they campaigned on.
  • Resemblance: Representative bodies should reflect the wider society.

Elections

  • Elections structures differ greatly, dependent on various factors:
  • Constituencies: Which offices/positions are subject to election?
  • Franchise: Who is eligible to vote and how broad is voter access?
  • Voting Method: How are votes cast?
  • Election Context: Are elections competitive or not?
  • Conduct of Election: How is the election process managed?

Functions of Elections

  • Recruit politicians.
  • Create governing structures.
  • Provide representation for all constituents.
  • Influence policies.
  • Educate voters.
  • Build political legitimacy.
  • Strengthen political elites.

Variance in Electoral Systems

  • Election rules vary considerably.
  • Voters can choose between candidates or political parties.
  • Voters can pick one candidate or rank their selections.
  • Voting blocs (electoral units or constituencies) vary.
  • Winning candidates may require specific vote thresholds (plurality, majority, quota).

Electoral Systems Overview

  • Different types of electoral systems exist (e.g., plurality/majority, mixed, proportional).
  • Plurality/majority systems include systems like first past the post, alternative vote, second ballot, and supplementary/alternative vote.
  • Proportional systems include party-list and single transferable vote.
  • Mixed systems combine elements of proportional and plurality/majority systems (e.g. mixed-member proportional).

Majoritarian Electoral Systems

  • In majoritarian systems, electors vote in single-member constituencies.
  • This electoral approach typically encourages two-party systems, with clear governmental leadership.
  • Advantages of majoritarian systems are local accountability and clear governmental responsibility.
  • Disadvantages include disproportionate representation and underrepresentation of smaller parties.

Majoritarian Systems: First Past the Post

  • Voters select one candidate from listed options.
  • The winning candidate only needs a plurality of votes.

Majoritarian Systems: Absolute Majority

  • A candidate needs more than 50% of the votes to win.
  • If no one achieves a majority, a second-round election takes place.

Majoritarian Systems: Alternative (Supplementary) Vote

  • Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
  • The candidate who wins a quota is declared the winner.
  • Votes are redistributed to subsequent preferences when candidates don't reach a quota.

Proportional Systems: Party List

  • Voters elect an entire party’s list.
  • Seats are distributed proportionally based on vote totals.
  • May include a threshold to be represented (e.g., 5% in Germany).

Proportional Systems: Single Transferable Vote (STV)

  • Electors rank candidates on a multimember constituency ballot.
  • Candidates need a quota to win a seat.
  • Votes of eliminated candidates are redistributed to other candidates based on ranking.

Mixed Systems: Mixed-Member Proportional

  • Parts of a system utilize single-member constituency elections.
  • Other parts use a party-list system.
  • Voters are given two votes. One for a candidate and the second for a political party.

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Related Documents

Voting Behavior Lecture Notes PDF
Representation and Elections Lecture Notes PDF

Description

Explore key theories and structures of representation and elections. Understand the roles of trusteeship, delegate, mandate, and resemblance in representing the electorate. Learn about the various factors that influence election processes, including constituencies, voter eligibility, and voting methods.

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