Unit 5: Political Parties and Systems

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Questions and Answers

What does the size of an electoral constituency depend on?

Demographic size

Population density

Number of seats allocated (correct)

Territorial extension

Which of the following best describes a direct electoral system?

Voter choices are publicly disclosed.

Votes are cast for delegates who elect representatives.

Voters have the right to vote for their representatives directly. (correct)

Votes can be transferred to other candidates.

What characteristic ensures that every voter has an equal influence in elections?

Direct elections

Universal suffrage

Secret ballot

Equal value vote (correct)

Which component of electoral systems refers to the group of electors based on which seats are allocated?

Electoral constituency Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of a free electoral system?

Ability to replace governmental power periodically Signup and view all the answers

What does passive suffrage allow citizens to do?

Be eligible to be voted for Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral formula would likely enhance the proportionality of representation in a constituency?

Single transferable vote Signup and view all the answers

What is a major function of elections within a democratic system?

Allow citizens to influence public policy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of single-member constituencies?

They require a majority of votes to win. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of candidacy allows voters to change the order of candidates?

Open lists Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by legal barrier in electoral systems?

A threshold of votes a party must achieve to be eligible for seat allocation. Signup and view all the answers

Which formula represents an absolute majority system?

A two-round system like that in France Signup and view all the answers

In multiple voting systems, what does 'limited voting' refer to?

Voters can only vote for a restricted number of candidates. Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral formula is used to allocate seats based on the total votes received?

Hare formula Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue addressed by using proportional electoral formulas?

Distributing seats in a manner that reflects the voters' preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What describes a potential drawback of an open list candidacy system?

It can lead to increased prominence and potential corruption of candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What type of constituency is used in the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain?

Plurinominal constituency Signup and view all the answers

Which electoral formula is employed in Spain's general elections?

D'Hondt formula Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of proportional electoral systems?

Facilitates party system fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following elections are closed and blocked lists used in Spain?

Local elections Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of majoritarian electoral systems is criticized for distorting popular representation?

Privilege of major parties Signup and view all the answers

What legal barrier exists for the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain?

3% Signup and view all the answers

How does a majoritarian electoral system typically affect societal engagement?

Induces apathy in society Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the Senate elections in Spain?

Direct election with variable number of senators Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 5: Political Parties: Electoral and Party Systems

The unit focuses on political parties, electoral systems, and the various types of party systems.

Index

Political Ideologies: Examined in the following sections.
The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems: Outlined in subsequent sections.
Party Systems: Final topic area.

1. Political Ideologies (I)

Definition of Ideology: Multiple definitions exist. Some view it negatively (e.g., Marx), while others take a neutral perspective.
Origin of the Term: The word "ideology" originated during the French Revolution with Antoine Destutt de Tracy. It was initially a "science of ideas".
Marx's Use: Karl Marx associated ideology with deception and mystification, linked to class, power, and a temporary phenomenon.

1. Political Ideologies (II)

Marxist Theory: Antonio Gramsci extended Marx's theory, emphasizing the "hegemony" of bourgeois ideas in maintaining the capitalist system.
Frankfurt School: The Frankfurt School explored how capitalism manufactures legitimacy and stability.
Conservative Conceptions: Michael Oakshott presented ideology as an abstract system simplifying and distorting social reality.

1. Political Ideologies (III)

Freeden's Definition: Ideologies structure meanings of political concepts. Nuclear, adjacent, and peripheral concepts are arranged in a morphology.
Understanding the Political World: Ideologies shape collective understandings and compete for control of political language.
Influence on Society: Ideology influences decision-making and frameworks of thought.

1. Political Ideologies (IV)

Most Important Ideologies: The list includes Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism/Social Democracy, Nationalism, Anarchism, Fascism, Feminism, and Environmentalism.

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (I)

Functions of Elections:
- Generating participation
- Recruiting politicians based on trust
- Forming governments
- Providing representation
- Influencing public policy
- Educating voters and enabling debate
- Building legitimacy

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (II)

Characteristics of Suffrage:
- Universal: right to vote for all citizens without discrimination.
- Active: right to vote.
- Passive: right to be voted for.
- Free: political pluralism, open access, periodicity, and effective decision-making.
- Equal: each voter has the same number of votes.
- Direct: no intermediaries in elections.
- Secret: guarantees voter's free choice.

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (III)

Components of Electoral Systems:
- Electoral Constituencies: areas of electors for distributing seats in relation to vote distribution. Number of seats in a constituency influence proportionality.
- Form of Candidacy:
  - Single-member: only one candidate.
  - Lists/Plurinominal: multiple seats (various forms depending on voter preferences or candidate selection methods).

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (IV)

Voting Structure: the form of casting or expressing a vote.
Legal Barriers: minimum vote requirements that determine eligibility for seat allocation, based on percentage of votes or a fixed number.
Electoral Formulas: mathematical calculations for distributing seats based on electoral votes. Includes majority and proportional formulas (various types explained).

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (V)

Majoritarian Systems: favour governance, accountability, and avoid excessive fragmentation. They prioritize two major parties, however, at the expense of others.
Proportional Systems: more even distribution of results, better responsiveness to various political views, and foster consensus-oriented governments. However, they can also produce unstable coalition governments which may favour extremist or unpopular options.

2. The Role of Elections and Electoral Systems (VI)

General Elections (Spanish Case): Includes specifics of Congress, Senate, local elections, and European elections, describing specifics in Spain (plurality, particular electoral formulas).

3. Party Systems (I)

Diversity of Ideologies: Political parties represent the diversity of interests, values, and ideologies in a community.
Political Pluralism: Political parties transform social pluralism into political pluralism to promote peaceful coexistence.
Objective of Parties: obtaining political power for social transformation and improvement. This is done through electoral competition to earn social support.

3. Party Systems (II)

Definition of Political Party: parties have certain interests to defend, they are often organized hierarchically to pursue political power and have an enduring goal, exercise, and implement a program.
Necessity of Multiple Parties: In democracies, more than one party is required for a wide range of diverse political opinions.
Channels for Public Opinion: parties transmit public demands to governmental bodies and are vital for social progress.

3. Party Systems (III)

Functions of Parties:
- Political socialization and opinion forming
- Harmonization of interests
- Formation of political elites.
- Channeling the population's demands to institutions.
- Strengthening/stabilization of the political system.

3. Party Systems (IV)

Dependency on Electoral System: Party systems are shaped by the nature of electoral rules and types (majoritarian or proportional).
Types of Party Systems: including Single-party (totalitarian, authoritarian, or pragmatic), and Hegemonic (other parties are 'permitted' but don't compete effectively).

3. Party Systems (V)

Types of Party Systems (continued): Includes Predominant, Two-party, Limited/Moderate Pluralism, and Polarized/Extreme Pluralism, explaining features of each type.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to political parties, electoral systems, and different types of party systems. Delve into political ideologies, the historical context of the term, and Marxist contributions to the understanding of ideology. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact in the political landscape.