Electoral Systems Study Cards

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Electoral Systems

The set of rules and processes that determine how elections are conducted and how votes are translated into seats in a representative body.

Types of Electoral Systems

Different methods used to translate votes into seats, including first-past-the-post, proportional representation, mixed-member proportional, single transferable vote, and more.

First-Past-The-Post System

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system where seats in a representative body are allocated proportionally to the number of votes each party receives.

Mixed-Member Proportional System

An electoral system that combines elements of first-past-the-post and proportional representation, with some seats filled by constituency winners and others allocated proportionally.

Single Transferable Vote

An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and seats are allocated based on these preferences and a predetermined quota.

Instant Runoff Voting

An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated until a candidate achieves a majority.

Electoral College

A body of electors chosen to elect the President and Vice President of the United States, with each state having a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Voter Suppression

Efforts to prevent certain groups of people from voting, often through discriminatory laws or practices.

Campaign Finance

The financing of electoral campaigns, including the sources of funding and the regulations governing campaign contributions and expenditures.

Electoral Reform

Efforts to change or improve electoral systems, often with the goal of increasing fairness, representation, or accountability.

Comparative Electoral Systems

The study and comparison of different electoral systems used around the world, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and outcomes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electoral Systems

The benefits and drawbacks of different electoral systems, including their impact on representation, accountability, stability, and inclusiveness.

Electoral Systems and Democracy

The relationship between electoral systems and democratic governance, exploring how different systems can affect political participation, representation, and legitimacy.

Electoral Systems Around the World

A survey of electoral systems used in different countries, including examples from major democracies and comparative analysis of their features and outcomes.

Proportional Representation List System

A variant of proportional representation where voters choose from a list of candidates presented by each party, and seats are allocated based on the party's share of the vote.

Two-Round System

An electoral system where a second round of voting is held if no candidate receives a majority in the first round, with only the top two candidates competing in the runoff.

Alternative Vote

An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated until a candidate achieves a majority.

Closed List

A variant of proportional representation where voters choose a party, and seats are allocated based on the party's share of the vote, with candidates determined by the party.

Open List

A variant of proportional representation where voters choose both a party and a candidate, and seats are allocated based on the party's share of the vote, with candidates determined by voter preferences.

Parallel Voting

An electoral system where some seats are filled through proportional representation and others through a different method, such as first-past-the-post.

Single Non-Transferable Vote

An electoral system where voters choose one candidate in a multi-member constituency, and the candidates with the most votes are elected.

Block Vote

An electoral system where voters choose multiple candidates in a multi-member constituency, with the candidates with the most votes being elected.

Limited Vote

An electoral system where voters choose a limited number of candidates in a multi-member constituency, with the candidates with the most votes being elected.

Cumulative Voting

An electoral system where voters have multiple votes that they can allocate to one or more candidates in a multi-member constituency, with the candidates with the most votes being elected.

Borda Count

An electoral system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and points are assigned to each candidate based on their ranking, with the candidate receiving the most points being elected.

Approval Voting

An electoral system where voters can vote for as many candidates as they approve of, and the candidate with the most votes is elected.

Majoritarian Electoral Systems

Electoral systems that aim to produce a single winner in each constituency, often through first-past-the-post or two-round voting.

Proportional Electoral Systems

Electoral systems that aim to allocate seats in a representative body proportionally to the number of votes each party receives, often through party-list or single transferable vote.

Mixed Electoral Systems

Electoral systems that combine elements of majoritarian and proportional systems, often through a combination of single-member and multi-member constituencies.

Single-Member District

An electoral district with only one representative, often used in first-past-the-post systems.

Multi-Member District

An electoral district with multiple representatives, often used in proportional representation systems.

Constituency

A geographic area represented by an elected official, often used as the basis for allocating seats in an electoral system.

Party-List System

An electoral system where voters choose from a list of candidates presented by each party, and seats are allocated based on the party's share of the vote.

Threshold

A minimum percentage of the vote that a party must receive to be eligible for seats in a proportional representation system.

Overhang Seat

A seat in a proportional representation system that a party is entitled to based on its constituency wins, even if this results in more seats than its proportional share.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, often done to reflect changes in population or to benefit a particular political party.

Single-Member Plurality

Another term for first-past-the-post, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

Majority Bonus

An advantage given to the party or candidate that receives a majority of the votes or seats in an electoral system, often through additional seats or executive powers.

Proportional Allocation

The method used to allocate seats in a proportional representation system, often based on the share of the vote each party receives.

Wasted Votes

Votes cast for losing candidates or for winning candidates beyond what they need to win, often seen as a drawback of first-past-the-post systems.

Strategic Voting

The practice of voting for a candidate or party other than one's preferred choice in order to prevent an undesirable outcome, often seen in majoritarian systems.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election, often influenced by factors such as electoral systems, campaign mobilization, and voter engagement.

Electoral Integrity

The degree to which an electoral process is free, fair, and transparent, often assessed based on factors such as inclusiveness, accuracy, and accountability.

Electoral Systems and Representation

The impact of electoral systems on the representation of different groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities.

Electoral Systems and Stability

The relationship between electoral systems and political stability, exploring how different systems can promote or hinder the peaceful transfer of power and the resolution of conflicts.

Electoral Systems and Accountability

The mechanisms through which electoral systems can hold elected officials accountable to the electorate, including the role of parties, campaign finance regulations, and transparency measures.

Electoral Systems and Inclusiveness

The extent to which electoral systems ensure the participation and representation of all citizens, regardless of their social, economic, or political characteristics.

Electoral Systems and Legitimacy

The perceived fairness and acceptability of electoral systems, influencing the legitimacy and trust in the political system and its outcomes.

Electoral Systems and Political Parties

The relationship between electoral systems and political parties, including their formation, organization, and strategies for winning elections.

Electoral Systems and Voter Behavior

The impact of electoral systems on voter choices and behavior, including strategic voting, party loyalty, and the mobilization of different voter groups.

Electoral Systems and Campaigning

The strategies and tactics used by candidates and parties to win elections, often shaped by the incentives and constraints of the electoral system.

Electoral Systems and Public Opinion

The influence of electoral systems on public opinion and political attitudes, including perceptions of fairness, representation, and the effectiveness of democratic governance.

Electoral Systems and Political Culture

The impact of electoral systems on the norms, values, and beliefs that shape political behavior and the functioning of democratic institutions.

Electoral Systems and Electoral Reform

The challenges and opportunities of changing or improving electoral systems, including the role of political actors, public opinion, and institutional factors.

Electoral Systems and Comparative Politics

The study and comparison of electoral systems across different countries and regions, analyzing their features, outcomes, and implications for democratic governance.