Party Systems Flashcards
What are party systems?
Network of relationships between parties that is structured by their number, size and orientation.
What are pattern of interactions?
- Patterns of interaction between political parties that become established in competition within a political system.
- Not just advancing their own interests but develop strategies in order to win like moderating views.
What is a one party system? Its characteristics and patterns? An example?
One party effectively entrenched in the state and in charge of all assets and structure. Marxism-Leninism, Anti-colonial nationalism in Zimbabwe.
What is a dominant party system? Its characteristics and patterns? An example?
Similar to 2-party but a favourable party routinely wins elections.
People accustomed to the world-views and dominance portrayed by the party. Political dynamic/conflict within dominant party and their influencers and less-so between parties.
What is a multiparty system? Its characteristics and patterns? An example?
Multiple parties and coalition governments.
- Less moderation due to many competing interests, so polarization of ideologies.
- Broad consensus and compromise due to small differences and pro-democratic values.
How do we categorize party systems?
Based on how many parties there are, their size and how radical or moderate they are.`
What is threshold?
Minimum number of votes needed to stay afloat as a party. Reduces number of parties that compete.
What is a two-party system? Its characteristics and patterns? An example?
Duopolistic parties that have roughly equal prospects at winning.
-During elections, both parties become increasingly moderate, racing to the centre to capture more votes.
