Comparison Systems

Electoral Systems: Single Member District Plurality vs. Proportional Representation

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

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

Unitary vs. Federal System

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

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

Parliamentary vs. Presidential System

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

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

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

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)

Relationship with Legislature in 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

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

Interest Group Systems Corporatist vs. Pluralist

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.

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!

Rentier States

Rentier States Definition: Impact: Examples from AP6 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