Unit 1 - Party and Electoral Systems and Citzen Organizations

Proportional representation

An election system in which the party appoints legislative members proportional to the election results. This system promotes the representation of multiple parties in the legislative branch, is sometimes referred to as party-list elections, and often features multimember districts. With the appointment of representatives by party leaders, proportional representation systems can help increase the number of women and minority community representatives

Gender quotas

Requirements that a certain percentage of candidates or representatives are placed in seats in proportional representation systems by women to promote the ideal of gender equity

Single-member district plurality system

An election system in which one candidate with the most votes (not necessarily a majority of 50% at least 1 vote) in a district wins the sole representative seat. It tends to promote two-party systems. These provide voters with strong constituency service and accountability because there is a single representative per district. This type of system ensures geographic representation.

Executive election plurality system

An election system in which one candidate wins the election as the sole executive by winning the most votes (not necessarily a majority of 50% + at least one vote)

Second round, runoff election system

An election system in which a candidate for a sole executive or legislative position must win a majority of the vote (50% at least 1 vote). In a multicandidate race, the winning candidate must win a majority of the votes either in the first round of balloting or in the second round, which features the top two vote earners from the first round.

Majoritarian rule

Require that the winning candidate win a majority of the vote (50% + at least one vote)

A multi-party system

When elections feature more than two parties competing for governing power

Two-party system

Elections feature two major parties competing for governing power

Dominant party system

When elections allow multiple parties to run in elections, but one significant party inevitably wins governing power

One-party system

Is one in which only one party is allowed to control the governing party, even if other parties exist.

Patronage

Also known as patron-client relationships or clientelism, allows government officials to distribute government jobs and services in return for voter loyalty. It institutionalizes a quid pro quo (“this for that”) relationship between elected officials and voters, which is often viewed as an example of corruption by those not benefiting from the patronage relationship

Interest groups

Groups organized to represent and advocate for a specific interest or policy issue

Grassroots social movement

Exert their power from the local level to the regional, national, or international level