PNL UNIT 2: Classifying Electoral Systems

• What are electoral systems?

• What are the two classifications of them?

• Electoral systems are systems that determine how votes are transferred into seats in parliament.

• The two classifications are majoritarian and proportional

• Describe the meaning of the majoritarian electoral systems

• Who it benefits

• Two examples

• It means that the one candidate / party with the most votes in their electorate wins

• This system benefits large parties and encouraged single-member governments

• First Past the Post and preferential voting

• Describe the meaning of proportional electoral systems

• Who it benefits

• An example

• An electoral systems that directly translates votes into seats — seats are allocated in proportion to votes each member / party receives

• Major parties still have upper hand but it benefits smaller parties and can lead to coalition government.

• Proportional representation in the Australian senate

List and describe the four criteria for a fair electoral system.

• Diverse representation: reflects social, political, and demographic diversity in elected body

• Effective and stable government: capable of formation of government and decisive governance

• Accountable representation: ensured representatives are answerable to their constituents

• Political rights and representation: uphold the right to vote and stand for election — ensured fairness

State which electoral system classification First Past the Post is and describe it.

• majoritarian system

• Voters pick one candidate on ballot

• Candidate with most votes wins

• Minimal representation for minor parties

• Leads to single-member government

State which electoral system preferential voting is and describe it.

• majoritarian

• Used in house of reps

• Voters rank candidates in order of preference

• Candidates must achieve absolute majority to win

• Some representation for minor parties

• Often leads to single member government

State which electoral system proportional representation is and describe it.

• Proportional, obviously

• Australian senate

• Party seats won reflects the votes they received

• Minor parties have a greater chance at gaining representation

• Often results in coalition governments

List and define the four comparative purposes of electoral systems

• Stable governance: the ability of a government to function effectively without frequent changes or instability.

• Diverse representation: the inclusion of a wide range of political views, parties, and social groups in the legislature.

• Accountability: the obligation of elected officials to answer to the public for their actions and decisions.

• Political equity: fairness in the value of each vote and in how votes are translated into political power.