Comparing Electoral and Party Systems Flashcards

1
Q

Structural aspect of elections and electoral systems

A

UK
- 5yrs, PM unlimited
- UK less elections, mayors
- FPTP

US
- 2yrs HOR, 6yrs Senate and 1/3 for re-election every 2yrs
- US more election, primaries, state judges, governors
- FPTP

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2
Q

Rational aspect of elections and electoral systems

A
  • Policies for core voters
  • Both use social media
  • Leaders personal qualities
  • Focus on swing states
    273/399 presidential campaigns in swing, 2019 36/61 marginal constituencies
  • Midterms in USA, constant campaigning
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3
Q

Cultural aspect of elections and electoral systems

A
  • US personality, Uk focus on parties
  • US primaries caucuses, UK party members select candidates
  • Younger voters liberal, richer conservative
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4
Q

Two-party system in the UK and the USA: Similarities

A
  • Parties represent wide range of views
  • Parties experience rebellions
  • Both parties in favor of keeping current system
    2016 Trump praised EC
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5
Q

Two-party system in the UK and the USA: Differences

A
  • Republicans more right than Conservatives, Labor more left than Democrats
  • UK strict party discipline
  • National parties less control
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6
Q

Why the USA is still a two-party system while the UK is moving towards a multiparty system

A
  • Higher thresholds
    US 35k Oklahoma, UK £500
    15% of votes to be in debate
  • Voters in US feel their vote is wasted
  • Lack of funding for 3rd parties in US
  • Wide range of voters participate in primaries
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7
Q

Significance of third-party and independent candidates in the UK and the USA

A

Balance of power
- 3rd parties in power in 2010 Lib Dems, 2017 DUP
- 2000 Rapl Nader, votes from Nader
Representation
- 2024 Voter Share US 98.1% Uk 57.4%
- 2024 Party Members Conservative 138k Reform 200k
- Scotland 2021 election 61/129
Securing votes
- 2024 Reform 4.8m votes

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8
Q

Similarity of party policies in the UK and the USA

A

Conservatives and Republicans
- Tax cuts, 2018 Trump 35-21, corporate 2010 Tories 28-19
- Increase military budget
- US MAGA, UK first and Brexit
- Both try to reduce immigration

Labor and Democrats
- Higher tax on rich
- Better public services
- International cooperation
- Imigration accepted

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9
Q

Differences of party policies in the UK and the USA

A

Conservatives and Republicans
- Same sex marriage David Cameron
- Republicans more sceptical of international organizations
- Conservatives strict gun control

Labor and Democrats
- Not every Democrat support medicare for all
- Labor more nationalization
- Labor free education

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10
Q

Arguments for greater party unity in the USA, and for growing party division in the UK

A

US greater unity
- 2018, HOR Rep stick with their 91%, Dem 89%
- Trump impeachment 2019
- Most Rep pro life, while Dem pro choice
- Not many criticised Trump takeover

UK growing division
- Multiple PMs
- Rebelions Thatcher, Brexit
- Brexit divided conservatives
- Labor divided centrists and moderate

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11
Q

Arguments against greater party unity in the USA, and for party unity in the UK

A

US division
- Trump 2021, 10 Republicans voted to impeach
- Some Rep disagree with Trump on tariffs
- 2017 69%, 2018 50% Senators stick with party
- Trump failed to repeal Obamacare

UK unity
- Whip system
- Centralised structure
- Public image

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12
Q

Similarities and differences between the UK and USA campaign and party finance

A

Similarities
- Regulated, capped in both countries
US FEC PAC 5k, UK EC, 30k a candidate
- Expensive
UK 43M 2019, 14b 2020
- Transparent in both countries
Donations must be reported

Differences
- US heavy relies on private donation
- US no limits on spending per candidate
- Super PACS
Musk 118M America PAC

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