American Government and Organization PS Monday, 29 September

Review Midterm and Review Sheet Discuss Incumbency advantage and the electoral system

Incumbency Advantage

Decline in Competition

Incumbent Victory Margins

Explanations for Incumbency Advantage Name Recognition Greater resources for staff, travel, local offices, and communication In 2001, these allowances ranged from $980,699 to $1,469,930 per legislator in the House; $1,926,296 to $3,301,071 in the Senate In 2001, these allowances ranged from $980,699 to $1,469,930 per legislator in the House; $1,926,296 to $3,301,071 in the SenateCasework Campaign contributions Hard work Electoral Rules

How the Electoral System Can Reduce Competition Members of Congress are elected from states and congressional districts by plurality vote – that is, whoever gets the most votes wins (also referred to as first past the post (FPTP). Redistricting creates “safe” districts Senate races are more competitive in part because states are more diverse, more balanced party competition Senate races are more competitive in part because states are more diverse, more balanced party competition

Donovan/Bowler – Reforming the Republic Table 3.1 p49 Congressional Elections Example of votes to seats bias from First past the post elections Texas Democrats - %Votes/%Seats 50/70 42/63 44/57 47/57 Republicans - %Votes/%Seats 48/30 56/37 54/43 53/43 49/43 Other - %Votes/%Seats 2/02/02/04/04/0

Sample Ballot for California Recall Two Questions Shall Gray Davis be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor? Shall Gray Davis be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor? Candidates to succeed Gray Davis as Governor if he is recalled. Vote for one. Candidates to succeed Gray Davis as Governor if he is recalled. Vote for one. Link to Sample Ballot Sample BallotSample Ballot

Alternatives Proportional Representation gives a party a share of seats in the legislature matching the share of votes it wins on election day. gives a party a share of seats in the legislature matching the share of votes it wins on election day. Thus voters choose among parties, not individual candidates Thus voters choose among parties, not individual candidates

Proportional Representation: German Bundestag Generally, vote for party not candidate Mixed system – two votes Germany and New Zealand

New Zealand Proportional (Mixed) System 120 members total About 55 elected by party vote from one large national district Also divided into first- past-the-post (plurality winner) single member districts (electorate vote)

Sample Ballot-Primary Election for Mayor or City Attorney 1st choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 4th choice 5th choice Candidate A Candidate B Candidate C Candidate D Candidate E Candidate F