Objectives of Election Rules - AP Comparative Government and Politics

1. What is the key objective of single non-transferable vote (SNTV)?

   To elect multiple representatives in a single district. Multiple winners chosen from single district without vote transfers.

2. Which system is designed to produce proportional outcomes?

   Proportional representation. Seats allocated to match each party's share of total votes.

3. Identify a key feature of mixed-member proportional (MMP) systems.

   They combine FPTP and proportional representation. Voters cast two ballots: one for local candidate, one for party.

4. Which system often results in a single-party government?

   First-past-the-post (FPTP). Winner-take-all typically gives one party full control of government.

5. Identify the purpose of electoral thresholds in PR systems.

   To prevent very small parties from gaining seats. Minimum vote percentage required prevents legislative fragmentation.

6. What is the primary goal of electoral reform?

   To improve representation and fairness in elections. Changes electoral rules to better reflect voter preferences and participation.

7. What electoral system is characterized by winner-takes-all?

   First-past-the-post (FPTP). Candidate with most votes wins all representation for that district.

8. What is the primary objective of gerrymandering?

   To manipulate district boundaries for electoral advantage. Redrawing districts to favor specific parties or candidates unfairly.

9. Which system seeks to balance constituency representation and vote share?

   Mixed-member proportional (MMP). Combines direct district representation with proportional party representation.

10. What is a defining feature of a closed-list PR system?

    Parties determine the order of candidates on the list. Party leadership controls which candidates get priority for seats.

11. What is the objective of single transferable vote (STV) systems?

    To combine proportionality with individual candidate choice. Voters rank individual candidates within proportional multi-member districts.

12. Identify the primary aim of instant-runoff voting (IRV).

    To simulate a series of runoffs in a single election. Automatically eliminates lowest candidates and redistributes their votes.

13. What is the purpose of using preferential voting?

    To allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Voters indicate first, second, third choices instead of single selection.

14. Which system is designed to eliminate the spoiler effect?

    Ranked-choice voting. Ranking prevents third-party votes from helping least-preferred candidate win.

15. What is the purpose of using single-member districts?

    To provide clear accountability to constituents. One representative per district creates direct voter-candidate relationship.

16. What is the purpose of a mixed electoral system?

    To combine elements of majoritarian and proportional systems. Blends winner-take-all districts with proportional representation mechanisms.

17. What is the goal of mandatory voting laws?

    To increase voter turnout. Legal requirement removes choice barrier and boosts participation rates.

18. What is the objective of using multi-member districts in elections?

    To increase proportionality and representativeness. More seats per district allow smaller parties to gain representation.

19. What is the goal of compulsory voting?

    To ensure broad representation of the electorate. Mandatory participation ensures all demographic groups influence outcomes.

20. What is the main objective of a plurality system?

    To elect the candidate with the most votes. Highest vote total wins regardless of whether it's a majority.

21. Which electoral system typically uses multi-member districts?

    Proportional representation. Multiple seats per district enable proportional seat allocation.

22. What is the main advantage of ranked-choice voting?

    It reduces the likelihood of wasted votes. Voters' lower preferences count if their first choice is eliminated.

23. Which electoral system often results in a two-party system?

    First-past-the-post (FPTP). Winner-take-all mechanics favor large parties and discourage smaller ones.

24. What is the primary objective of proportional representation electoral systems?

    To allocate seats in proportion to the votes each party receives. This system distributes seats based on vote percentages rather than winner-take-all.

25. Identify the main goal of a majoritarian electoral system.

    To ensure the winner has a majority of votes. Requires candidates to receive over 50% of votes to win legitimately.

26. Which system uses a single vote to elect multiple representatives?

    Single non-transferable vote (SNTV). One vote per voter elects multiple candidates in multi-member districts.

27. What is a common consequence of proportional representation systems?

    Coalition governments are more likely. Multiple parties gain seats, requiring cooperation to form government.

28. What is the objective of an electoral college?

    To formally elect the president and vice president. Intermediary body between popular vote and final presidential selection.

29. Identify a key feature of the Borda count method.

    Voters rank candidates and points are assigned based on rank. Points awarded by preference ranking determine overall winner mathematically.

30. Identify a key objective of open-list proportional representation.

    To give voters influence over candidate selection. Voters can reorder party candidate lists based on personal preferences.

31. Which system uses a formula to allocate seats proportionally?

    D'Hondt method. Mathematical formula converts vote percentages into seat allocations fairly.

32. Which electoral system often leads to coalition governments?

    Proportional representation. Seat distribution reflects vote percentages, encouraging coalition building.

33. Which electoral system can lead to disproportionality in representation?

    First-past-the-post (FPTP). Winner-take-all can give parties more seats than their vote share.

34. What is the main objective of electoral quotas?

    To enhance representation of underrepresented groups. Reserved seats or candidate requirements increase minority representation.

35. What is the objective of using a runoff election?

    To achieve a majority winner when no candidate wins outright. Forces a second round between top candidates when none gets majority.

36. Identify the objective of a two-round system.

    To ensure a majority winner through a second round if needed. Eliminates candidates below 50% and holds runoff between top two.

37. What is the main purpose of the supplementary vote (SV) system?

    To ensure a majority winner by allowing second preferences. Uses first and second preferences to ensure majority support for winner.

38. Which system aims to reflect voter preferences more accurately?

    Proportional representation. Seat allocation matches vote distribution more closely than FPTP.

39. Which system encourages strategic voting to avoid vote splitting?

    First-past-the-post (FPTP). Voters choose major parties to prevent their vote from being ineffective.

Study these flashcards