Comparison Systems

1. Comparison Systems

2. Electoral Systems: Single Member District Plurality vs. Proportional Representation

3. Single Member District Plurality • Definition: • Electoral system in which candidates run for a single seat from a specific geographic district. • The winner is the person who receives the most votes, whether or not that is a majority • Characteristics: • Usually results in two-party system • Silences minority voters • Creates large catch-all parties

4. Proportional Representation • Definition: • An electoral system in which voters select parties rather than individual candidates and parties are represented in legislatures in proportion to the shares of votes they win. • Characteristics: • Usually results in multi-party systems • Gives voice to minority voters • Wider representation of political views

5. Unitary vs. Federal System

6. Unitary System • Definition: • A system of governance in which political power is concentrated in a central national government. • Examples from AP6 • United Kingdom • China • Iran

7. Federal System • Definition: • A system of governance in which political authority is shared between the national government and sub-units. • Examples from AP6 • Russia • Mexico • Nigeria

8. Parliamentary vs. Presidential System

9. Parliamentary System • Definition: • A system of governance in which the head of government is chosen by and serves at the pleasure of the legislature.

10. Parliamentary System • Characteristics: • Fusion of Powers • Executive born of legislature—executive branch is populated by members of legislative branch • Parliamentary sovereignty • Collective responsibility • Vote of confidence to remove Prime Minister • High party discipline • No direct election of executive branch • Examples: UK

11. Presidential System • Definition: • An electoral system in which the chief executive is elected in a national ballot and is independent of the legislative branch.

12. Presidential System • Characteristics: • Separation of Powers • Checks and balances • Direct election of president • Lower party discipline • Inefficient policy process • Gridlock more likely • Examples: Mexico, Nigeria, Iran (sort of)

13. Relationship with Legislaturein both systems • Executive is head of government • Legislature can remove the executive • Executive can introduce legislation • Role of legislature to enact legislation, so executive needs legislative to pass bills • Executive influences the legislative agenda by drafting bills

14. Mixed Presidential/Parliamentary System Characteristics: • Both a PM and a President • Directly elected president • Separate head of government and state

15. Interest Group Systems Corporatist vs. Pluralist

16. Pluralist Interest Group System • Definition: • An interest group system where multiple groups may represent a single society interest. • Characteristics: • Group membership is voluntary and limited. • Groups often have a loose or decentralized organizational structure. • There is a clear separation between interest groups and the government. • United States is perfect example.

17. Corporatist Interest Group System • Definition: • Interest groups are an institutional part of the political structure and are active in policy formation and implementation. • Characteristics • Membership in the peak association is often compulsory and nearly universal. • Peak associations are centrally organized and direct the actions of their members. • Groups are often systematically involved in making and implementing policy. • Key Point: Interest group part of policy process!

18. Rentier States

19. Rentier States • Definition: • A country that obtains much of its revenue from the export of oil or other natural resources • Impact: • Government doesn’t have to be accountable to citizens for income. • Examples from AP6 • Nigeria • Russia • Iran