EXTRA-Elecotral systems and party system Flashcards
When is the main and common advantage associated to Proportional Representation?
it encourages a proliferation of minor parties
How many parties in Weimar Germany contested in the 1930 election?
24
Why was in difficult in Weimar Germany in 1930 for any one party to gain a majority under PR?
because there was 24 parties contending
What happened to the government in Weimar Germany as a result of PR in 1930?
this created weak and unstable coalition governments
How did the weakness of PR in Weimar Germany 1930 lead to the people favouring the Nazi Party?
This is because they promised firm leadership in comparison to the weak and unstable coalition governments
In which 2 countries have individuals and small parties been able to gain representation which makes it harder to achieve a stable government?
Israel and the Irish Republic
What does Duverger in 1962 say regarding FPTP and PR?
that the simple majority, single ballot system favours the two party systems; the simple majority system with second ballot and PR favours multipartyism
Who in 1962 said
that the simple majority, single ballot system favours the two party systems; the simple majority system with second ballot and PR favours multipartyism
Duverger
What country is an example that a PR system can have a two-party system?
Malta
Which country used a considerably less proportional system with its supporters hoping that this would weaken the tendency to multi-partyism but has not happened?
Italy
What happened when Italy tried to change to a considerably less proportional system in order to weaken the tendency to multi–partyism?
this has not happened
What factors can encourage the existence of several parties? (3)
historical, social and personal factors
What are the two arguments that dispute the fact the two party system is not necessarily as a result of FPTP?
- Some examples do not fit the argument (Malta)
- There are other factors besides the electoral systems that shape party systems
Which place in Britain has used the STV for local and European elections and now for its devolved one?
Northern Ireland
Who had a ‘rainbow parliament’?
Scotland