AP COMP GOV UNIT 4 CONCEPT QUIZ

Explain what Single Member District Plurality (SMDP) is. What party system develops in countries that use SMDP? Why

Single Member District Plurality (SMDP) is an electoral system where each geographic district elects only one representative, and the candidate with the most votes in that district wins. This system often leads to a two-party system as smaller parties struggle to secure representation.

Explain what Proportional Representation (PR) is. What party system develops in countries that use PR? Why

Proportional Representation (PR) allocates seats based on the proportion of votes a party receives, allowing smaller parties to gain representation. PR tends to result in a multi-party system as it provides a fairer distribution of seats.

What system does the UK have? Which 3rd party in the UK is hurt by their system? Explain how. Which 3rd party is helped by their system. Explain why

The UK uses a First Past the Post (FPTP) system, disadvantaging third parties like the Liberal Democrats, as their support may be spread across the country without concentrated wins. The FPTP system benefits parties like the Labour or Conservative, concentrating support in key districts.

Explain Mexico’s electoral system (SMDP or PR or Mixed). Explain Mexico’s party system and how it is a result of their electoral system? How many major candidates are there in the 2024 presidential election? Which parties do they represent? Why

Mexico employs a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, combining elements of SMDP and PR. This contributes to a multi-party system with major parties like PRI and PAN. In the 2024 presidential election, there are typically multiple major candidates representing different parties, reflecting the diverse political landscape.

Explain Russia’s electoral system. How does it and other factors help maintain their party system

Russia uses a mixed electoral system, combining a first-past-the-post system with a proportional representation component. The system, along with other factors, contributes to the dominance of United Russia. Unlike Mexico, Russia's electoral system tends to maintain a more controlled political environment.

Describe the difference between how Mexico and Nigeria elect their President. What does the word mandate mean and which country’s President is more likely to have a mandate? Why

Mexico and Nigeria differ in their presidential election methods; Mexico employs a mixed system, while Nigeria uses a two-round system. The term "mandate" refers to the authority a leader has from the electorate. A president elected with a broader and more diverse support base, as seen in Mexico, is more likely to claim a mandate compared to a leader elected with less widespread support, as in Nigeria.