Comparison Systems

Electoral Systems: Single Member District Plurality vs. Proportional Representation

 Definition:  Electoral system in which candidates run for a single seat from a specific geographic district.  The winner is the person who receives the most votes, whether or not that is a majority  Characteristics:  Usually results in two-party system  Silences minority voters  Creates large catch-all parties

 Definition:  An electoral system in which voters select parties rather than individual candidates and parties are represented in legislatures in proportion to the shares of votes they win.  Characteristics:  Usually results in multi-party systems  Gives voice to minority voters  Wider representation of political views

Unitary vs. Federal System

 Definition:  A system of governance in which political power is concentrated in a central national government.  Examples from AP6  United Kingdom  China  Iran

 Definition:  A system of governance in which political authority is shared between the national government and sub-units.  Examples from AP6  Russia  Mexico  Nigeria

Parliamentary vs. Presidential System

 Definition:  A system of governance in which the head of government is chosen by and serves at the pleasure of the legislature.

 Characteristics:  Fusion of Powers  Executive born of legislature—executive branch is populated by members of legislative branch  Parliamentary sovereignty  Collective responsibility  Vote of confidence to remove Prime Minister  High party discipline  No direct election of executive branch  Examples: UK

 Definition:  An electoral system in which the chief executive is elected in a national ballot and is independent of the legislative branch.

 Characteristics:  Separation of Powers  Checks and balances  Direct election of president  Lower party discipline  Inefficient policy process  Gridlock more likely  Examples: Mexico, Nigeria, Iran (sort of)

 Executive is head of government  Legislature can remove the executive  Executive can introduce legislation  Role of legislature to enact legislation, so executive needs legislative to pass bills  Executive influences the legislative agenda by drafting bills

Characteristics:  Both a PM and a President  Directly elected president  Separate head of government and state

Interest Group Systems Corporatist vs. Pluralist

 Definition:  An interest group system where multiple groups may represent a single society interest.  Characteristics:  Group membership is voluntary and limited.  Groups often have a loose or decentralized organizational structure.  There is a clear separation between interest groups and the government.  United States is perfect example.

 Definition:  Interest groups are an institutional part of the political structure and are active in policy formation and implementation.  Characteristics  Membership in the peak association is often compulsory and nearly universal.  Peak associations are centrally organized and direct the actions of their members.  Groups are often systematically involved in making and implementing policy.  Key Point: Interest group part of policy process!

Rentier States

 Definition:  A country that obtains much of its revenue from the export of oil or other natural resources  Impact:  Government doesn’t have to be accountable to citizens for income.  Examples from AP6  Nigeria  Russia  Iran