ch 8 + 9 definitions

Question 1

mirror representation

Answer 1

the theory of how Parliament reflects the people so that if election systems are truly free & fair, the parliament body elected will closely mirror the demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, religion and beliefs and such.

If the parliament does not have representations from some groups, it is a sign that there is a systemic problem with the electoral system

Question 2

Delegate Representative

Answer 2

a voter chooses a candidate and expects that person to know and understand the electorates views and to be a ‘mouthpiece’ for those views in a parliament

Question 3

Trustee Representation

Answer 3

a voter chooses a candidate and trusts them to use their best judgement/experience and represent them that in parliament

Question 4

Secret ballot

Answer 4

voters must be free from intimidation. this key principle is a part of a liberal democracy. only the elector should know how they cast their vote. it is achieved by providing private voting booths for elecotrs and by regarding any identifiable ballot paper as an informal vote.

Question 5

Partisan representation

Answer 5

a voter chooses a candidate based solely on party affiliatiion, historically being a very strong predictor of voter behaviour, however it is no longer as useful, with the recent (20 yrs) rise of swing voters)

Question 6

Malapportionment

Answer 6

unequal population in election total districts which results in some area being “over represented”- senate situation