POL SCI 40 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Parliamentary System, Proportional Representation, Connecticut Compromise
14 Oct 2016
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Dahl: the constitution as a model: an american illusion (chapter 3) Rest of the domestic world rejects the us constitution model: us system unique. Territorial units (states, provinces) basic elements of the constitutional design. Federalism not a free choice, but rather a necessity: a compound mode of government. Combines general (federal) gov with regional gov. Bicameralism: 2 (legislative) chambers to better represent the units. 2nd chamber unequal rep: connecticut compromise = 2 senators per state, reps from units not proportional with unit populations, ensure reps of smaller units not outvoted by bigger. Barrier to majority rule: contrast (cid:862)one person one (cid:448)ote(cid:863) Electoral systems: first past the post has 2 party systems. One party might control both executive and legislative. More votes than others, does not have to be the majority: proportional representation usually has multiparty systems. Multiparty usually rep minorities better: us a mixed, hybrid system. Presidential vs parliamentary system: parliamentary: let legislative choose executive, presidential: voted by people.
