What is an Electoral System, why they Matter, and how to Judge them Flashcards
What is an Electoral System?
An electoral system is the mechanism by which citizen preferences are converted into political power.
What role do electoral systems play in political outcomes?
Electoral systems are active architects of political outcomes, not just passive translators of will.
How can electoral systems be compared to grammar?
Electoral systems can be thought of as the grammar of democracy, defining the rules of articulation.
What happens when the grammar of an electoral system changes?
Changing the grammar of an electoral system changes the meaning of the sentence.
What do plurality systems often confront voters with?
The choice to vote sincerely for my preferred party or vote tactically to prevent the ‘greater evil’
This reflects the strategic considerations voters must make in plurality electoral systems.
How do PR systems change voter behavior compared to plurality systems?
PR systems facilitate sincere voting, allowing voters to support smaller parties without fearing their vote will be meaningless
This leads to a different dynamic in electoral participation and party support.
What is the overall effect of PR on democratic engagement?
It alters the overall tone of democratic engagement, making politics a forum for expression
This contrasts with FPTP systems, which focus more on preventing undesired outcomes.
Under FPTP systems, what does political behavior tend to lean towards?
Prevention
This indicates a strategic mindset among voters to avoid undesirable electoral outcomes.
Fill in the blank: Under PR, politics becomes a forum for _______.
expression
This highlights the positive aspect of political engagement in proportional representation systems.
What type of political parties are viable under FPTP?
Only large-tent parties are viable
FPTP stands for First Past the Post electoral system.
What is the effect of FPTP on party behaviour?
Parties stretch to capture the median voter and suppress ideological extremes
This is referred to as Downsian logic.
Which two parties exemplify the duopoly in the UK under FPTP?
Labour and Conservative parties
These parties dominate the political landscape due to the FPTP system.
What is the impact of PR systems on party representation?
Niche or ideologically distinctive parties can gain representation
PR stands for Proportional Representation.
How does PR incentivise parties in policy?
It incentivises policy differentiation
This allows for a greater variety of political viewpoints.
Which countries are mentioned as examples of PR systems?
Germany and the Netherlands
These countries have multiple parties, including Green parties, Left parties, and Christian Democrats.
What is a major consequence of majoritarian systems like FPTP?
Filters out ideological variance
This can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives in governance.
What does PR invite into the political process?
It invites ideological variance to the table
This can enhance deliberative democracy.
What is the role of the legislature in democracy?
The legislature is the engine room of democracy.
What is the function of the electoral system in relation to the legislature?
The electoral system is the gearing mechanism.
What type of government do majoritarian systems often produce?
Single-party governments with clear parliamentary majorities.
What governance characteristic is facilitated by majoritarian systems?
Decisive governance.
What are the implications of majoritarian systems on policy changes?
Policy swings may be sharper; reversals more abrupt.
What type of government do proportional systems tend to produce?
Coalition governments.
What governance behaviors do proportional systems encourage?
Negotiation, compromise, and incrementalism.
