1. Comparison Systems

2. Electoral Systems: Single Member District Plurality vs.
Proportional Representation

3. Single Member District Plurality
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

4. Proportional Representation
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

5. Unitary vs. Federal System

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

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

8. Parliamentary vs. Presidential System

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

10. Parliamentary System 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

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

12. Presidential System 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)

13. Relationship with Legislature in both systems
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

14. Mixed Presidential/Parliamentary System
Characteristics:
Both a PM and a President
Directly elected president
Separate head of government and state

15. Interest Group Systems Corporatist vs. Pluralist

16. Pluralist Interest Group System
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.

17. Corporatist Interest Group System
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!

18. Rentier States

19. Rentier States Definition: Impact: Examples from AP6
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