CPO 2002 Lecture Notes - Lecture 77: Social Group, Bicameralism
Document Summary
Social divisions are the primary driving force behind the formation of parties. Electoral institutions influence how social divisions are translated into political parties. Refers to the way votes are translated into seats. In majoritarian systems, the mechanical effect punishes/discourages small parties. How electoral rules influence the strategic behavior of voters and political elites. Voting for your most preferred candidate who has a realistic chance of winning. Refers to the decision about whether to enter an electoral contest under the label of their most preferred party that has a realistic chance of winning. Discourage the formation and electoral success of small parties in two related ways. Mechanical effect of these systems leaves small parties with fewer seats in the legislature than in a pr system. Strategic effect discourages voters from voting for third parties, and discourages elites from forming them. Constitutionally splits sovereignty between territorial levels so that governmental units share authority.
