Electoral Systems and Rules - AP Comparative Government & Politics
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What is the main feature of a majority electoral system?
What is the main feature of a majority electoral system?
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Requires more than 50% of votes to win. Ensures winner has broader support than plurality systems.
Requires more than 50% of votes to win. Ensures winner has broader support than plurality systems.
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Identify the primary goal of proportional representation.
Identify the primary goal of proportional representation.
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To allocate seats based on vote percentage. Ensures legislative seats match party vote shares proportionally.
To allocate seats based on vote percentage. Ensures legislative seats match party vote shares proportionally.
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Which electoral system uses single-member districts?
Which electoral system uses single-member districts?
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First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Each district elects one representative using plurality voting.
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Each district elects one representative using plurality voting.
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What is a plurality electoral system?
What is a plurality electoral system?
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Candidate with the most votes wins, no majority needed. Simple majority wins without needing over 50% support.
Candidate with the most votes wins, no majority needed. Simple majority wins without needing over 50% support.
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Which system is more likely to produce minority governments?
Which system is more likely to produce minority governments?
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Proportional representation. Fragmented representation often prevents single-party control.
Proportional representation. Fragmented representation often prevents single-party control.
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What is an advantage of a two-round system?
What is an advantage of a two-round system?
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Reduces vote splitting and increases legitimacy. Ensures winner has broader support than plurality.
Reduces vote splitting and increases legitimacy. Ensures winner has broader support than plurality.
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Identify an electoral system with high voter choice.
Identify an electoral system with high voter choice.
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Open-list proportional representation. Voters select both party and specific candidates.
Open-list proportional representation. Voters select both party and specific candidates.
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Which system best prevents vote wastage?
Which system best prevents vote wastage?
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Proportional representation. All votes contribute to party representation proportionally.
Proportional representation. All votes contribute to party representation proportionally.
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What does STV stand for in electoral systems?
What does STV stand for in electoral systems?
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Single Transferable Vote. Ranked-choice system for multi-member constituencies.
Single Transferable Vote. Ranked-choice system for multi-member constituencies.
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Which system uses multi-member districts?
Which system uses multi-member districts?
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Proportional representation. Multiple seats per district enable proportional allocation.
Proportional representation. Multiple seats per district enable proportional allocation.
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What is the purpose of a runoff in a two-round system?
What is the purpose of a runoff in a two-round system?
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Ensure a candidate receives majority support. Forces broader consensus beyond initial plurality support.
Ensure a candidate receives majority support. Forces broader consensus beyond initial plurality support.
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Identify a consequence of low voter turnout.
Identify a consequence of low voter turnout.
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Less representative electoral outcomes. Reduced participation weakens democratic legitimacy.
Less representative electoral outcomes. Reduced participation weakens democratic legitimacy.
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What is malapportionment?
What is malapportionment?
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Unequal representation due to uneven district sizes. Population imbalances create unequal voting power.
Unequal representation due to uneven district sizes. Population imbalances create unequal voting power.
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Which system often requires coalition governments?
Which system often requires coalition governments?
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Proportional representation. Fragmented parliaments necessitate multi-party agreements.
Proportional representation. Fragmented parliaments necessitate multi-party agreements.
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What is a hybrid electoral system?
What is a hybrid electoral system?
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Combines features of different electoral systems. Blends multiple electoral mechanisms for balanced outcomes.
Combines features of different electoral systems. Blends multiple electoral mechanisms for balanced outcomes.
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Which electoral system can lead to vote splitting?
Which electoral system can lead to vote splitting?
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First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Similar candidates divide support, helping opponents win.
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Similar candidates divide support, helping opponents win.
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What is a safe seat?
What is a safe seat?
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A district where one party consistently wins. Predictable outcomes reduce competitive campaigning.
A district where one party consistently wins. Predictable outcomes reduce competitive campaigning.
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What is the effect of a high electoral threshold?
What is the effect of a high electoral threshold?
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Reduces the number of small parties in parliament. Eliminates parties with minimal electoral support.
Reduces the number of small parties in parliament. Eliminates parties with minimal electoral support.
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What is an advantage of a mixed electoral system?
What is an advantage of a mixed electoral system?
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Balances proportionality and local representation. Combines constituency links with proportional outcomes.
Balances proportionality and local representation. Combines constituency links with proportional outcomes.
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Identify a characteristic of Instant Runoff Voting.
Identify a characteristic of Instant Runoff Voting.
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Voters rank candidates by preference. Eliminates need for separate runoff elections.
Voters rank candidates by preference. Eliminates need for separate runoff elections.
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What is tactical voting?
What is tactical voting?
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Voting for a less preferred but more viable candidate. Strategic voting for electable candidates over true preferences.
Voting for a less preferred but more viable candidate. Strategic voting for electable candidates over true preferences.
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Which electoral system is used in the United States?
Which electoral system is used in the United States?
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First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Single-member districts with plurality winner determination.
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Single-member districts with plurality winner determination.
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Which system often results in a multi-party system?
Which system often results in a multi-party system?
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Proportional representation. Proportional allocation encourages multiple viable parties.
Proportional representation. Proportional allocation encourages multiple viable parties.
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Identify a method to reduce gerrymandering.
Identify a method to reduce gerrymandering.
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Independent redistricting commissions. Neutral bodies reduce partisan boundary manipulation.
Independent redistricting commissions. Neutral bodies reduce partisan boundary manipulation.
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What is the primary drawback of a plurality system?
What is the primary drawback of a plurality system?
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Does not require majority support to win. Winner may lack support from majority of voters.
Does not require majority support to win. Winner may lack support from majority of voters.
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Which electoral system might use a single transferable vote?
Which electoral system might use a single transferable vote?
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Proportional representation. STV uses ranked voting in multi-member districts.
Proportional representation. STV uses ranked voting in multi-member districts.
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What distinguishes open-list from closed-list proportional representation?
What distinguishes open-list from closed-list proportional representation?
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Voters can influence candidate order in open-list. Open-list allows voters to select specific candidates.
Voters can influence candidate order in open-list. Open-list allows voters to select specific candidates.
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Identify a disadvantage of proportional representation.
Identify a disadvantage of proportional representation.
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Can lead to fragmented legislatures. Multiple small parties may complicate government formation.
Can lead to fragmented legislatures. Multiple small parties may complicate government formation.
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What is an electoral formula?
What is an electoral formula?
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A rule for converting votes into seats. Mathematical method determining how votes become legislative seats.
A rule for converting votes into seats. Mathematical method determining how votes become legislative seats.
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Which system can result in 'wasted votes'?
Which system can result in 'wasted votes'?
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First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Votes for losing candidates don't contribute to representation.
First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). Votes for losing candidates don't contribute to representation.
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