Political Parties Flashcards
types of party systems
1) one party systems
2) dominant party systems
3) two-party systems
4) multi-party systems
what are one party systems
- non-democratic (no opposition)
why? ->
only one party is allowed in government
what are dominant party systems
- one party dominates politics (usually wins elections)
- can be democratic or not
what’s an example of one party systems
china
what are examples of dominant party systems
NON-DEMOCRATIC: Russia/Singapore
DEMOCRATIC: South Africa (ANC) /// Japan (Liberal Dem. Party)
what are two party systems
- 2 major parties in system
what are examples of two party systems
- United States
- Jamaica
what are multi party systems
- more than 2 play a relevant role
- most common system in the world
what are examples of multi party systems
- Israel
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Mexico
How do you count parties, according to Giovanni Sartori
- only count relevant party relevant if... 1) coalition potential or 2) blackmail potential
what is coalition potential
party is considered as a possible ally
what is blackmail potential
parties large enough that can have influence
how do you count parties, according to Jean Blondel
- two/multiparty = to simplistic
- need to account for NUMBER & SIZE
so…
there are 4 main party systems
what are the 4 main party systems based off of Blondel
1) 2-party system (55-45)
2) 2 1/2 party system (45-40-15)
3) multi party w/ dominant party (45-20-15-10-10)
4) multi party w/o dominant party (25-25-25-15-10)
what are the advantages of 2 party systems
- clear choice between 2 choices
- be more moderate -> to convince sway voters
- easier to figure out who will govern (winning party)
- more stable (one-party cabinets)
