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Electoral System Change in Diverging Regimes: Exploring the Impact on Political Representation and Governance

Jayson Powell

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Published in Party Politics In Russia And Ukraine: Electoral System Change In Diverging Regimes

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Electoral systems are the foundation of democratic governance, providing the mechanisms through which citizens' preferences are translated into political representation and government policies. However, electoral systems are not static and are subject to change, often with the aim of improving representation, increasing accountability, and promoting stability.

Party Politics in Russia and Ukraine: Electoral System Change in Diverging Regimes

by Bryon Moraski

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6263 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	298 pages

Electoral System Change in Diverging Regimes is a groundbreaking new book that explores the complex and multifaceted relationship between electoral system change and political representation and governance. Drawing on a wealth of empirical research and case studies from around the world, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that drive electoral system change, the different types of electoral systems, and their impact on political outcomes.

The Drivers of Electoral System Change

The book begins by examining the various factors that can lead to electoral system change. These factors include:

* Political instability: Electoral system change is often seen as a way to address political instability and crisis. By altering the way in which political power is distributed, electoral system change can help to reduce political polarization and conflict. * Economic development: Economic development can also lead to electoral system change. As countries become more prosperous, they often demand greater political participation and representation. This can lead to the adoption of more democratic electoral systems. * International pressure: International pressure can also play a role in electoral system change. Democracies around the world often pressure non-democratic regimes to adopt more democratic electoral systems.

Types of Electoral Systems

The book then provides a detailed overview of the different types of electoral systems. These systems include:

* Plurality systems: In plurality systems, the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they receive a majority of the vote. * Majority systems: In majority systems, the candidate must receive a majority of the vote to win. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates. * Proportional representation systems: In proportional representation systems, seats in the legislature are allocated to parties based on the percentage of votes they receive. This ensures that all parties have a voice in government, regardless of their size.

Electoral System Change and Political Representation

The book goes on to examine the impact of electoral system change on political representation. The book finds that electoral system change can have a significant impact on the composition of the legislature, the level of electoral competition, and the strength of political parties.

For example, proportional representation systems tend to lead to more diverse legislatures and greater electoral competition. This is because proportional representation systems make it easier for smaller parties to win seats in the legislature. In contrast, plurality and majority systems tend to lead to more concentrated legislatures and less electoral competition. This is because plurality and majority systems make it difficult for smaller parties to win seats in the legislature.

Electoral System Change and Governance

The book also examines the impact of electoral system change on governance. The book finds that electoral system change can have a significant impact on the quality of governance, the level of political accountability, and the stability of the regime.

For example, proportional representation systems tend to lead to more stable governments and greater political accountability. This is because proportional representation systems make it easier for different parties to form coalitions. In contrast, plurality and majority systems tend to lead to more unstable governments and less political accountability. This is because plurality and majority systems make it difficult for different parties to form coalitions.

Electoral System Change in Diverging Regimes is an essential resource for anyone interested in electoral system change and its impact on political representation and governance.

Party Politics in Russia and Ukraine: Electoral System Change in Diverging Regimes

by Bryon Moraski

5 out of 5