All Flashcards
Define 'Elections'.
Formal process of voting to select individuals for office.
What is 'Proportional Representation'?
A system where the number of seats a party wins directly reflects their share of the vote.
Define 'Plurality'.
The most votes win, even if not a majority.
What is a 'Party'?
A group with similar ideologies seeking to influence public policy.
Define 'Interest Groups'.
Organizations that advocate for specific issues and try to shape policy.
What is 'Corporatism'?
A system where the government, businesses, and labor collaborate.
Define 'First Past the Post'.
The candidate with the most votes in a district wins.
What is a 'Mixed System'?
Combines elements of FPTP and PR.
Define 'Ballot Access'.
Who gets to run? What are the requirements?
What is 'Gerrymandering'?
Drawing district lines to favor one party.
Cause & Effect: Gerrymandering?
Cause: Drawing district lines to favor one party. Effect: Distorted election outcomes.
Cause & Effect: Restricting Ballot Access?
Cause: Regime wants to control election outcomes. Effect: Limits power of opposition parties.
Cause & Effect: Easy Voter Registration?
Cause: Desire to increase citizen participation. Effect: Higher voter turnout.
Cause & Effect: FPTP system?
Cause: Simple electoral system. Effect: Stable majority governments (potentially).
Cause & Effect: PR system?
Cause: Desire for proportional representation. Effect: Coalition governments (potentially).
Cause & Effect: Social Movements?
Cause: Desire for social/political change. Effect: Change public opinion, influence policy.
Cause & Effect: Interest Groups?
Cause: Advocate for specific issues. Effect: Influence policy through lobbying.
Cause & Effect: Pluralist system?
Cause: Open access to policymakers. Effect: More democratic process, potential gridlock.
Cause & Effect: Corporatist system?
Cause: Gov't works closely with select groups. Effect: Efficient policymaking, less democratic outcomes.
Cause & Effect: One-Party System?
Cause: Regime wants to maintain absolute control. Effect: Limited political competition, restricted citizen participation.
FPTP vs. PR: Key differences?
FPTP: Single-member districts, plurality wins. PR: Seats allocated proportionally to vote share.
Plurality vs. Majority: What's the difference?
Plurality: Most votes win. Majority: More than half the votes win.
Social Movements vs. Interest Groups: Key differences?
Social Movements: Broad, informal, large-scale change. Interest Groups: Specific, organized, specific issues.
Pluralism vs. Corporatism: What are the main differences?
Pluralism: Competition, open access. Corporatism: Cooperation, limited access.
Two-Party vs. Multi-Party Systems: Key differences?
Two-Party: Two major parties dominate. Multi-Party: Multiple parties compete.
Dominant Party vs. One-Party Systems: Key differences?
Dominant Party: One party controls power for a long time. One-Party: Only one party is legally allowed.
UK Electoral System vs. Mexico Electoral System: Key differences?
UK: FPTP. Mexico: Mixed system (FPTP and PR).
Campaign Finance in Some Countries vs. Other Countries: Key differences?
Some countries have limits on campaign spending, while others do not.
Voter Registration in Some Countries vs. Other Countries: Key differences?
Some countries have automatic registration, while others require citizens to register themselves.
Russia Electoral System vs. Nigeria Electoral System: Key differences?
Russia: Elections heavily controlled. Nigeria: Issues with voter registration, electoral violence.