Objective State the implications and consequences that an electoral system can have on creating a two-party system or a multiparty system. Assess various electoral and party systems, and draw conclusions about which system you would prefer based on the pros and cons of each system.

Plurality Electoral Systems Examples are based on Legislative Elections: Single-Member Districts for Congress: –One candidate elected per district = “Winner Takes All” Simple-Plurality Districts: –the person with most votes wins / majority not needed Example: Candidate A 34% Candidate B 33% Candidate C33%

Plurality Electoral Systems Impact: –Party can win strong majority in Parliament without winning majority of popular vote EXAMPLE: 2001 Elections Labour 41% vote63% seats Conserv 32% vote25% seats Lib Dem 18% vote8% seats

Proportional Electoral System % of votes for party is roughly = to % of seats in legislature Multiple-Member Districts: Each district elects several members to legislature 2001 Britain Example (IF a proportional system): Labour would have 41% Conservatives 32% Lib Dems 18% No clear majority in Parliament Coalition government

Majoritarian Electoral System Single-Member Districts Simple-Majority Districts: –Candidate must receive > 50% to win. If not, runoff between 2 frontrunners.

DISCUSSION What might be the impact of each type of electoral system? –Would it foster a two-party or multiparty system? –Which system would represent most fairly or accurately the views of all of its citizens? –Which system might foster more stability or efficiency in government? Why? Which type of system would you prefer?

Impacts: Plurality System Favors single-party or two-party government Favors large, moderate, catch-all parties Squeezes out small third parties Votes are “wasted” Facilitates political stability

Impacts: Proportional System Fosters participation of small 3rd parties Coalition Governments could: –Be less stable –Have a harder time implementing policies/legislation

Impacts: Majoritarian System More room for 3 rd parties than in Plurality System, because: –Votes not wasted as easily –Protest or ideological votes in first round –Many minor parties in first round –Coalitions formed in 2nd round –Results in 2 coalitions / “party families”