Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations

Single-Member district plurality (SMDP)

system of electing legislators in which candidates are elected by plurality, not majority

multi-member district (MMD)

a system of electing members of legislature in which two or more representatives are elected from a district

Proportional Representatin (PR)

a system for electing legislature in which seats are awarded according to the percentage of votes a party recieves

mixed system

a system of electing legislature in which seats are awarded through both single-member districts and proportional representation

run-off (two ballot)

a second election between the top two candidates from the first election in order for one to be elected by majority

electoral system (legislature) in UK House of Commons

single-member district

electoral system (legislature) in Russian Duma

mixed system

electoral system (legislature) in Iranian Majles

SMD/MMD

electoral system (legislature) in Nigerian House of Representatives

single-member district

electoral system (legislature) in Mexican Chamber of Deputies

mixed system

one party state

a country where only one party is allowed to control the government

dominant party sytem

multiple parties exist, but one party dominates the executive branch and wins most seats in the legislature

two party system

two parties are able to garner enough votes to win an election, though more may compete

multi party system

more than two parties can win a national election and control the government

multi party systems in APGP

UK, Nigeria, Mexico

dominant party systems in APGP

Russia

one parties states in APGP

China

interest groups

associations of individuals or businesses that attempt to influence the government

civil society

consists of all organizations outside of government control; includes even PTO or Little League

corporatism

a system in which the state controls interest groups and chooses which to recognize

social movement

a group that has a loosely defined organizational structure and seeks major socioeconomic or political change through collective action

grassroots movement

citizens at the local level band together to advocate for a cause