Citizen Linkage, Representation, and Participation

Electoral Systems

Rules that determine how votes are cast and converted into seats in the legislature.

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

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, requiring only a plurality.

Plurality system

Election system requiring the highest number of votes to win, without needing a majority.

Duverger’s Law

The principle that SMD systems tend to create two-party systems.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system where voters vote for a party, and seats are awarded based on the percentage of votes received.

Coalition government

A government formed by multiple parties working together to hold a majority.

Majority Runoff

A system where, if no candidate wins a majority in the first round, a second round occurs with the top candidates.

Thresholds in PR

Minimum percentage required to gain any seats in proportional representation systems.

Fairness & Legitimacy

Democratic objectives of electoral systems aimed at ensuring representation of the populace.

Internal Legitimacy

The goal of authoritarian regimes to convince citizens of the government's validity.

INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria, overseeing elections.

ONE-PARTY SYSTEM

A political system in which only one party is allowed to hold power.

Dominant Party System

A system where multiple parties exist but one party consistently wins.

Two-Party System

A political system where two major parties dominate the political landscape.

Multi-Party System

A system where more than two parties significantly influence the political system.

Catch-All Parties

Parties that dilute their ideology to appeal to a broader range of voters.

Interest Groups

Formal organizations that seek to influence policy within the political system.

Social Movements

Loose coalitions of citizens who seek fundamental change outside established institutions.

Pluralism

A democratic theory where multiple interest groups freely compete for influence.

Corporatism

A system where the government recognizes a limited number of interest groups to control representation.

State Corporatism

A form of corporatism where the state creates and controls interest groups.

Neo-Corporatism

A system where business, labor, and government negotiate together, typically seen in parts of Europe.

Elections in China

China conducts direct elections at the local level, but higher levels are indirectly elected.

Majority vs. Plurality

Majority requires more than 50% of votes, whereas plurality only needs the most votes.

Political Party Systems

Classifications based on the number of effective parties in a political system.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.

Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of an authority, often a governing law or regime.

Elections as Regime Survival Tools

Authoritarian regimes use elections to sustain power rather than to choose leaders.

Corruption in Elections

Abuse of power for personal gain, often undermining electoral integrity.

Political Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone, particularly in a governmental context.

Campaign Donations

Financial contributions made to influence political candidates or parties.

Majoritarian System

An electoral system that favors a majority winner over a proportional outcome.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Electoral Integrity

The extent to which elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

Ballot Access

The ability of candidates and parties to get their names on the election ballot.

Electoral Districts

Geographic areas from which representatives are elected.

Political Accountability

The responsibility of politicians to act in the best interest of the populace.

Civic Engagement

Participation in activities that address public concerns and involve citizens in governance.

Vote Suppression

Tactics used to discourage specific groups of people from voting.

Political Polarization

The division of public opinion into distinct opposing factions.

Electoral Commission

Official body responsible for overseeing the conduct and integrity of elections.

Transparency in Elections

The openness and clarity of electoral processes to ensure public trust.

Electoral Reform

Changes to electoral systems intended to improve fairness and efficacy.

Political Campaigns

Organized efforts to influence the decision-making process within a specific group.

Decentralization

The distribution of administrative powers or functions from a central authority.

Systemic Opposition

Parties that appear to oppose the ruling party but actually support it.

Reformist Candidates

Individuals who advocate for significant change within the existing political framework.

Minority Representation

The inclusion and consideration of minority groups in political processes.

Electoral Participation

The engagement of citizens in the electoral process, including voting and campaigning.