plurality systems

key features (5)

1. winner receives most number of votes

2. local representation

3. simplicity

4. stability (tends to produce single-party majority governments)

5. non-proportional

elements

DM = 1/more

formula = plurality wins in a district

ballot structure = categorical X

effects when DM = 1

clear lines of accountability between representative and voter (rep. linked to constituency), representatives can speak on behalf of a community, but are constrained by party discipline

block vote

electors have as many votes are there are candidates to be elected (e.g., DM = 3, then get 3 votes)

allows for greater voter choice

cumulative vote

more than one vote and can vote for one candidate or more

votes can indicate a strong preference for one candidate

greater complexity in voting

single non-transferrable vote

one vote and more than one representative

encourages rivalry among candidates

disproportionality

wasted and surplus votes

not proportional!