Unit 4: Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations (copy)

Electoral Systems

The set of laws and regulations that govern the process of electing representatives to public office.

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, often leading to a two-party system.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system that allocates seats based on the percentage of votes a party receives, allowing greater representation of smaller parties.

Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP)

An electoral system that combines elements of FPTP and PR, allowing voters to cast two votes.

United Kingdom: Main Political Parties

In the United Kingdom, the political landscape is primarily dominated by two major parties: the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. The Conservative Party is currently in power and is characterized by its support for free-market economics, traditional values, and national sovereignty. The Labour Party, traditionally representing the working class, advocates for social justice, public ownership, and expanded welfare programs.

United Kingdom: Election System

The United Kingdom employs a First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system for its general elections. In this system, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a constituency wins the seat in Parliament, making it a simple plurality system. This often leads to a concentration of power among the larger parties, marginalizing smaller parties.

Russia: Main Political Parties

Russia's political system is dominated by the United Russia party, which supports the policies and governance of President Vladimir Putin. It often wins by significant margins in elections, leading many to view it as a central pillar of the current regime. The Communist Party of the Russian Federation serves as the main opposition party but is heavily restricted in its political activities and media coverage.

Russia: Election System

Russia utilizes a mixed electoral system for its legislative body, the State Duma. This system combines proportional representation, where parties gain seats based on the percentage of votes they receive, with single-member districts where candidates are elected directly by the populace. This complicated system can obscure the overall influence of smaller parties.

China: Main Political Parties

China operates under a one-party system, dominated solely by the Communist Party of China (CPC), which monopolizes political power. The CPC controls all governmental institutions, and while there are other minor political entities acknowledged by the state, they do not have any substantial power or independent operation, as their activities are directed or influenced by the CPC.

China: Election System

China lacks a competitive electoral process typical of multi-party democracies. Elections for the National People's Congress (NPC), the highest state body, are indirect and largely ceremonial. Candidates are chosen through a multi-layered process controlled by the CPC, ensuring that all political activity aligns with party policy and objectives.

Mexico: Main Political Parties

In Mexico, the political landscape has been reshaped in recent years with the rise of the Morena party, which is currently in power under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Other significant parties include the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which historically dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century, and the National Action Party (PAN), known for its conservative policies and promotion of free-market economics.

Mexico: Election System

Mexico's electoral framework combines elements of First-Past-the-Post and proportional representation. Members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected by these two methods, enabling broader representation of political parties. Senators, on the other hand, are elected through a proportional system meant to reflect the electorate's diversity more effectively.

Nigeria: Main Political Parties

The political atmosphere in Nigeria is mainly divided between the All Progressives Congress (APC), currently in power under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which serves as the primary opposition. These parties represent various regional interests and ideologies in a country characterized by ethnic diversity.

Nigeria: Election System

Nigeria employs a First-Past-the-Post electoral system for its federal elections. This means that candidates who secure the most votes in their respective constituencies are elected, which can often lead to 'winner-takes-all' scenarios, sidelining smaller parties and creating challenges for broader representation.

Iran: Main Political Parties

Iran's political framework is marked by the absence of traditional political parties as seen in multi-party systems. Instead, the ruling system is dominated by the Islamic Republic, led by the Supreme Leader, and various factions within the government influence political discourse and decision-making. While elections occur, they are restricted and often tightly controlled.

Iran: Election System

Iran's electoral mechanism includes a dual system where the President is elected through a direct popular vote. However, all candidates, including those for the Majlis (Parliament), must be approved by the Guardian Council, which acts as a gatekeeper in the electoral process, ensuring alignment with the ideological standards of the Islamic Republic.

China: Social Movements and Interest Groups

Interest Group: All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) – The only legal union, controlled by the Communist Party.

Social Movement: Tiananmen Square Protests (1989) - A student-led pro-democracy protest demanding political reform, freedom of speech, and anti-corruption measures.

United Kingdom: Social Movements and Interest Groups

• Interest Group: British Medical Association (BMA) – Represents doctors and lobbies on healthcare policy.

• Social Movement: Extinction Rebellion (XR) – Climate activist group using civil disobedience to protest government inaction.

Russia: Social Movements and Interest Groups

• Interest Group: Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RUIE) – Represents business elites and oligarchs.

• Social Movement: Pro-Navalny Protests – Rallies supporting opposition leader Alexei Navalny and demanding anti-corruption reforms.

Mexico: Social Movements and Interest Groups

• Interest Group: Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) – A major labor union historically tied to the PRI.

• Social Movement: Zapatista Movement (EZLN) – Indigenous rights movement in Chiapas protesting neoliberal reforms and state neglect.

Nigeria: Social Movements and Interest Groups

• Interest Group: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) – National umbrella organization for labor unions.

• Social Movement: #EndSARS – Youth-led movement against police brutality, specifically targeting the SARS unit.

Iran: Social Movements and Interest Groups

• Interest Group: Bonyads (e.g., Foundation of the Oppressed) – Powerful religious-charitable foundations with economic and political influence.

• Social Movement: Mahsa Amini Protests / "Women, Life, Freedom" – Mass movement for women’s rights and regime accountability sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.