Elections Flashcards
What is a delegate model of representation?
A spokesperson who faithfully transmits the views of the majority of people who elect them.
What is a trustee model of representation?
A rep elected for their character and judgement and are free to decide for themselves how to vote on an issue.
What is a party member model of representation?
A rep who is a loyal supporter of the policies advocated by his/her party.
What is a mandate?
General line of policy from a party.
What does floor crossing mean?
An MP elected as a liberal crossing the flow to join the conservative caucus.
What is the microcosm theory of representation?
Legislative bodies are fully representative only if the assembly is a microcosm of society as a whole. For example, a society with 50% women should have 50% of its reps be female.
what does plurality mean?
The person with the most votes wins
Explain SMP
Single-member plurality: The country is divided into a number of electoral districts, each of which has one representative. The reps are elected by a plurality instead of a majority. FPTP
What ar electoral boundaries commisions?
They decide specific boundaries of electoral districts, they provide parliament with recommendations.
Explain Mixed-Member proportional system
Voters get two votes, one to decide their representative and one for a political party. Seats are filled first by successful candidates, then by party candidates from a party list.
