VARIOUS TYPES OF PARTY SYSTEMS Flashcards
- One-Party System
A system where a single political party has the right to form the government, usually based on the existing constitution. Examples: China, Cuba
Characteristics: ONE PARTY SYSTEM
- Only one constitutionally recognized party
- No official opposition
- Elections conducted by one party
- Joining other parties considered treason
ADVANTAGES OF ONE PARTY SYSTEM
It brings about a stable government: It usually bring about stability in government because there is usually no power struggle between too many political parties just for the sake of controlling the
government.
2. It is less expensive: there is no need for conducting periodic elections into political offices.
3. Easy and faster decision making: Another advantage of oneparty system/single-party system is the fact that it allows for easy
and fast decision making.
DISADVANTAGE: ONE PARTY SYSTEM
It may lead to dictatorship by the government: A dictator is a
leader that has absolute authority in any sphere. He does not tolerate
opposition or plurality of government.
It is undemocratic: one of the tenets of democracy is the participation of the
people in the activities of their country.
It is more susceptible to corruption: Undoubtedly, one-party
system is more susceptible to corruption in government because
political powers of the country are concentrated in the hand of one
person or group of persons.
TWO PARTY SYSTEM
: A system where two major political parties dominate politics within a government. Examples: United States, Britain, Australia
ADVANTAGES: TWO PARTY SYSTEM
It allows more ideas to become legislation: Every political party promotes partisan ideas that support their platform interests.
It simplifies the process of governing: Voters can cast a ballot for
any political party they want at any time.
Political information is much easier to understand: Although a two-party system limits the options of voters, it allows parties to present information in a convenient manner
DISADVATAGE: TWO PARTY SYSTEM
- It creates a system of exclusiveness: Some states in the U.S. almost
always vote for one party exclusively in the presidential election cycle. - It is a system which limits the choices of the voter: Even though
there were over 1,700 people who filed a Statement of Candidacy for the
2016 presidential election. - It creates patterns of voting that are based on name recognition:
One of the reasons why term limits are a popular concept for Congress in
the United States is because the same people keep getting voted in by
their districts.
MULTI-PARTY SYSTEM
A system where multiple political parties can gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition. Examples: Italy, France, South Africa
CHARACTERISTICS: MULTI PARTY
- Wider representation of diverse opinions
- Regular elections
- Often leads to coalition governments
- Prevents dictatorship
ADVANTAGES MULTI PARTY
- It gives room for democracy: It is a government that considers the choices and opinions of the people.
- Allows more shades of opinion: Multi party system allows for more shades of opinion in the parliament which augurs
well for the country. - Provision of wider choice: Unlike a one party or two party state, multi party system provides the electorate wider range
of choice of political parties.
DISADVANTEGES: MULTI PARTY
- Waste of resources
- It is expensive to run
- Leads to unhealthy rivalry
- It encourages corruption in the parliament
One-Party Dominant System
A system where one party consistently wins elections and whose defeat is unlikely for the foreseeable future. Examples: ANC in South Africa (1994-present),
ADVANTAGES ONE PARTY DOMINANT SYSTEM
Enables country transformation
Provides political stability
Can help secure peace and development
DISADVANTAGES ONE PARTY DOMINANT SYSTEM
Can result in weak accountability
May lead to complacency and corruption
Often characterized by weak opposition
Non-Partisan System
Elections take place without reference to political parties. Usually found in countries with small populations where formal political parties are considered unnecessary.
