poli si midterm 2: Forms of reps connection to political participation and polarization

What is majoritarian representation?

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins a single seat (SMP/FPTP).

How do majoritarian systems shape political parties?

They produce two-party systems (Duverger's Law) and force broad coalitions.

How do majoritarian systems affect individual participation?

Simplify choices but waste many votes, lowering turnout in safe districts.

How do majoritarian systems affect collective action?

Easier for large parties to coordinate; harder for minority groups to mobilize.

How do majoritarian systems affect regime stability?

Produce stable single-party governments but can undermine legitimacy when vote share ≠ seat share.

How do majoritarian systems affect polarization?

Intensify identity-based polarization by creating binary 'us vs. them' politics.

What is proportional representation (PR)?

A system where parties win seats in proportion to their vote share.

How does PR shape political parties?

Encourages multiparty systems, stronger party organizations, and coalition governments.

How does PR affect individual participation?

Increases turnout by reducing wasted votes and offering more meaningful choices.

How does PR affect collective action?

Lowers barriers for minority groups and enables issue-based mobilization.

How does PR affect regime stability?

Produces representative governments but can lead to coalition instability.

How does PR affect polarization?

Reduces zero-sum conflict and identity polarization by expanding ideological space.

What is descriptive representation?

Representation by officials who mirror the population's demographics (race, gender, ethnicity, etc.).

How is descriptive representation achieved?

Through quotas, reserved seats, or majority-minority districts.

How does descriptive representation affect political parties?

Parties act as gatekeepers; PR + quotas greatly increase minority and women's representation.

How does descriptive representation affect individual participation?

Boosts turnout, efficacy, and trust among marginalized groups through role model effects.

How does descriptive representation affect collective action?

Strengthens mobilization by giving groups identity-based incentives to participate.

How does descriptive representation affect regime legitimacy?

Enhances legitimacy by correcting exclusion and increasing inclusion.

How does descriptive representation affect polarization?

Can reduce polarization by increasing trust, but may trigger backlash in majority-minority transitions.

Why do majoritarian systems tend to produce two parties?

Voters avoid wasting votes; smaller parties merge or align with larger ones.

Why do PR systems tend to produce many parties?

Small parties can win seats and influence coalitions, lowering entry barriers.

Why does descriptive representation matter for democracy?

It increases legitimacy, inclusion, and long-term political engagement.

Which representation system best reduces identity polarization?

Proportional representation, because it avoids binary party competition.

Which representation system best produces stable single-party governments?

Majoritarian systems.

Which representation system best empowers minority groups?

Descriptive representation (often implemented within PR systems).