Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Electoral District, Closed List, Proportional Representation
30 Aug 2018
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Document Summary
One representative is elected from each constituency. Representative does not need to gain an absolute majority of votes, just more than any other candidate. Winning party often receives most seats in the legislature/ clear who"s in command. Opposition parties take opportunity to scrutinize government. Exaggerate the results of victory (most get below 50% of the vote but more % of the seats in the legislature): gerrymandering = concentration of votes in su cient ridings; rather than respectable support all over. Marginal seat: constituency that parties did not win in previous elections; the # of seats they can turn. May discourage voters in situations where the outcome is almost guaranteed. One member per riding; a majority (50% + 1); can be multiple rounds of voting. Sometimes voters can rank candidates on a preferential ballot. At least someone receives 50% of the vote. More demanding electoral system (more time/ consuming/ confusing) Can potentially exacerbate di erences between voters who voted di erently.
