Chapter 8 Review

Electoral Systems

The formal rules and procedures for selecting the executive or members of the legislative.

Referendums

Direct votes in which an electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law.

Pluralist System

When a candidate wins the most votes in a single election without needing a majority, as seen in Mexico.

Mandate

The broad support of the people to carry out proposed policies.

Run-off election

A second and final election between the top two vote-getters when no candidate wins a majority in the first round.

Multi-Member District

A method for electing members of a legislative body where two or more representatives are elected from a single district.

Single-Member District

A voting system where the candidate with over 50% of the votes wins, leading to a two-party system.

First Past The Post (FPTP)

A Single-Member District system where the candidate with the most votes wins.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system where seats are awarded in the legislature according to the percentage of votes a party receives.

Duverger's Law

The principle that single-member districts lead to two catch-all political parties.

Party System

The number and strength of political parties within a country.

Interest Groups

Associations of individuals that aim to influence government policies but do not run for office.

Umbrella Organization

A group of institutions that coordinate activities and share resources, such as the Nigerian Congress.

Pluralism

A system allowing groups to form and advocate for their interests outside of government control.

Corporatism

A system in which the state controls interest groups and selects which ones to recognize.

Single Peak Organizations

Organizations that unite all interest groups in a sector to influence and negotiate with the government.

Social Movements

Groups with loose organizational structures seeking significant socioeconomic or political changes through collective action.

Grassroots Movement

An initiative where local citizens organize to advocate for a cause.

Populist

A political figure, often charismatic, who positions themselves as being for the people, such as AMLO, Trump, or Reagan.

Social Movements in Course Countries

Examples include Black Lives Matter, Me Too, Zapatista Rebellion, LGTBA, and MAD.