Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary method used to achieve the allocation of seats in a proportional representation system?
What is the primary method used to achieve the allocation of seats in a proportional representation system?
Which formula is used to calculate the quota necessary for a candidate to be elected in the single-transferable-vote system?
Which formula is used to calculate the quota necessary for a candidate to be elected in the single-transferable-vote system?
In a mixed-member proportional system, what are electors required to do?
In a mixed-member proportional system, what are electors required to do?
What method is employed when the votes are redistributed according to second preferences in the single-transferable-vote system?
What method is employed when the votes are redistributed according to second preferences in the single-transferable-vote system?
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Which of the following accurately describes a disadvantage of a single-transferable-vote system?
Which of the following accurately describes a disadvantage of a single-transferable-vote system?
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What is a primary advantage of multiparty systems?
What is a primary advantage of multiparty systems?
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Which method is categorized as a highest average system for distributing mandates?
Which method is categorized as a highest average system for distributing mandates?
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Which statement correctly describes district magnitude?
Which statement correctly describes district magnitude?
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What is a disadvantage of a multiparty system?
What is a disadvantage of a multiparty system?
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Which quota type requires the use of a divisor that includes the number of seats already allocated?
Which quota type requires the use of a divisor that includes the number of seats already allocated?
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What does the term 'quota methods' primarily refer to in electoral systems?
What does the term 'quota methods' primarily refer to in electoral systems?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the highest average methods?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the highest average methods?
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What is a key characteristic of proportional representation systems?
What is a key characteristic of proportional representation systems?
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Which of the following describes a quota method in electoral systems?
Which of the following describes a quota method in electoral systems?
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In which scenario would you most likely encounter a 'district magnitude' of one?
In which scenario would you most likely encounter a 'district magnitude' of one?
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What is one of the main advantages of using a party-list system?
What is one of the main advantages of using a party-list system?
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In which electoral system would you most likely find the highest average methods applied?
In which electoral system would you most likely find the highest average methods applied?
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What is a significant disadvantage of majoritarian electoral systems?
What is a significant disadvantage of majoritarian electoral systems?
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What impact does the first-past-the-post system generally have on electoral outcomes?
What impact does the first-past-the-post system generally have on electoral outcomes?
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Which electoral system requires a candidate to receive an absolute majority to win?
Which electoral system requires a candidate to receive an absolute majority to win?
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Which of the following best describes the role of constituency in electoral systems?
Which of the following best describes the role of constituency in electoral systems?
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What is a potential effect of voter education through elections?
What is a potential effect of voter education through elections?
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Which electoral principle suggests that representatives should reflect the characteristics of the broader society?
Which electoral principle suggests that representatives should reflect the characteristics of the broader society?
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What is a primary characteristic of the sociological model in political behavior?
What is a primary characteristic of the sociological model in political behavior?
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What is a key critique of the dominant ideology model?
What is a key critique of the dominant ideology model?
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Which statement best describes the rational choice model's approach to voting?
Which statement best describes the rational choice model's approach to voting?
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What is the implication of class dealignment as described in political behavior models?
What is the implication of class dealignment as described in political behavior models?
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Which potential dynamic is NOT associated with the rational choice model?
Which potential dynamic is NOT associated with the rational choice model?
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In which period was the psychological model of voting preferences developed?
In which period was the psychological model of voting preferences developed?
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What aspect does identity voting focus on within political models?
What aspect does identity voting focus on within political models?
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What describes the critical perspective offered by the dominant ideology model?
What describes the critical perspective offered by the dominant ideology model?
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What is a key feature of party identification according to the Michigan model?
What is a key feature of party identification according to the Michigan model?
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What is one significant dynamic related to party identification in the context of voter behavior?
What is one significant dynamic related to party identification in the context of voter behavior?
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How stable is party identification compared to other political attitudes?
How stable is party identification compared to other political attitudes?
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Which factor is less relevant in explaining political preferences compared to others?
Which factor is less relevant in explaining political preferences compared to others?
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Which of the following statements best describes partisan dealignment?
Which of the following statements best describes partisan dealignment?
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Which of the following regions exhibited the least average annual change in partisan voters from 1964 to 2010?
Which of the following regions exhibited the least average annual change in partisan voters from 1964 to 2010?
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What is a primary limitation of the Michigan model when applied outside the US context?
What is a primary limitation of the Michigan model when applied outside the US context?
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How have voting behavior research methods evolved from the interwar period onwards?
How have voting behavior research methods evolved from the interwar period onwards?
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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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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.
