Comprehensive Guide to Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems

Political Parties

Organizations that aim to control government power by placing members in office.

Interest Aggregation

The process of mending separate interests into a general political platform.

One-Party System

A political system where a single party is constitutionally mandated or opposes participation.

Example of a One-Party System

China, governed by the Communist Party of China.

Dominant-Party System

A political system where multiple parties exist, but one party consistently wins and governs.

Example of a Dominant-Party System

Russia, where United Russia holds a supermajority.

Two-Party System

Political system dominated by two major parties, although minor parties may exist.

Example of a Two-Party System

United Kingdom, with Conservative and Labour parties.

Multi-Party System

A political system where more than two parties have realistic chances of holding power.

Example of a Multi-Party System

Mexico, with PAN, PRI, and MORENA competing effectively.

Single-Member District (SMD)

An electoral system where each district elects one representative who wins by plurality.

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

Another name for the Single-Member District electoral system.

Duverger's Law

A principle stating that single-member district systems tend to produce two-party systems.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system where voters vote for parties, and seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes received.

Mixed Electoral System

Combines both single-member district and proportional representation systems.

Majority Runoff

A voting system where if no one achieves a majority, the top two candidates face off in a second round.

Example of Majority Runoff

Used in presidential elections in Russia and Iran.

National Electoral Institute (INE)

An autonomous body in Mexico responsible for overseeing federal elections.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Responsible for organizing elections in Nigeria and reducing electoral fraud.

Guardian Council

An unelected group in Iran that vets candidates for elections.

Gender Parity (Paridad de Género)

A requirement in Mexico for political parties to run equal numbers of female candidates.

Electoral System of the UK

Single-Member District (SMD) using First-Past-The-Post (FPTP).

Electoral System of Mexico

Mixed system combining Single-Member District and Proportional Representation.

Electoral System of China

Indirect elections with authority consolidated within the Communist Party.

Misconception about China

That it has no elections; there are direct elections at the local level.

Differentiate Majority and Plurality

Majority means more than half (>50%); Plurality means the most votes without requiring a majority.

Misconception about Proportional Representation

PR pertains to legislative elections, not presidential elections.

SMD Memory Aid

SMD = Shrinking Main Divide, forcing politics into two camps.

PR Memory Aid

PR = Parties Rise, allowing many small parties to grow.