AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Objectives Of Election Rules

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Objectives Of Election Rules, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Comparative Government and Politics.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

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

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

Flashcard 2: Which system is designed to produce proportional outcomes?

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

Flashcard 3: Identify the primary aim of instant-runoff voting (IRV).

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

Flashcard 4: Identify a key feature of mixed-member proportional (MMP) systems.

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

Flashcard 5: Which system often results in a single-party government?

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

Flashcard 6: Identify the purpose of electoral thresholds in PR systems.

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

Flashcard 7: Which system is designed to eliminate the spoiler effect?

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

Flashcard 8: Identify a key objective of open-list proportional representation.

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

Flashcard 9: What is the primary goal of electoral reform?

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

Flashcard 10: What electoral system is characterized by winner-takes-all?

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

Flashcard 11: What is the primary objective of gerrymandering?

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

Flashcard 12: Which system seeks to balance constituency representation and vote share?

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

Flashcard 13: What is a defining feature of a closed-list PR system?

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

Flashcard 14: What is the objective of single transferable vote (STV) systems?

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

Flashcard 15: Identify the primary aim of instant-runoff voting (IRV).

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

Flashcard 16: What is the purpose of using preferential voting?

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

Flashcard 17: Which electoral system can lead to disproportionality in representation?

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

Flashcard 18: Which system is designed to eliminate the spoiler effect?

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

Flashcard 19: What is the purpose of using single-member districts?

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

Flashcard 20: What is the purpose of a mixed electoral system?

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

Flashcard 21: What is the goal of mandatory voting laws?

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

Flashcard 22: Which system seeks to balance constituency representation and vote share?

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

Flashcard 23: What is the goal of mandatory voting laws?

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

Flashcard 24: What is a common consequence of proportional representation systems?

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

Flashcard 25: What is the objective of using multi-member districts in elections?

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

Flashcard 26: What is the primary goal of electoral reform?

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

Flashcard 27: What is a defining feature of a closed-list PR system?

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

Flashcard 28: Identify a key feature of mixed-member proportional (MMP) systems.

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

Flashcard 29: What is the goal of compulsory voting?

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

Flashcard 30: What is the main objective of a plurality system?

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

Flashcard 31: Which electoral system typically uses multi-member districts?

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

Flashcard 32: Identify a key feature of the Borda count method.

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

Flashcard 33: What is the main advantage of ranked-choice voting?

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

Flashcard 34: What is the objective of an electoral college?

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

Flashcard 35: Which electoral system often results in a two-party system?

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

Flashcard 36: What is the primary objective of proportional representation electoral systems?

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

Flashcard 37: Identify the main goal of a majoritarian electoral system.

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

Flashcard 38: Which system uses a single vote to elect multiple representatives?

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

Flashcard 39: What is a common consequence of proportional representation systems?

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

Flashcard 40: Which system uses a formula to allocate seats proportionally?

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

Flashcard 41: Which electoral system often leads to coalition governments?

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

Flashcard 42: What is the objective of an electoral college?

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

Flashcard 43: Identify a key feature of the Borda count method.

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

Flashcard 44: What is the main objective of a plurality system?

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

Flashcard 45: Identify a key objective of open-list proportional representation.

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

Flashcard 46: Identify the purpose of electoral thresholds in PR systems.

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

Flashcard 47: Which system uses a formula to allocate seats proportionally?

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

Flashcard 48: What is the purpose of a mixed electoral system?

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

Flashcard 49: Which electoral system often leads to coalition governments?

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

Flashcard 50: What is the objective of using multi-member districts in elections?

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

Flashcard 51: Which electoral system can lead to disproportionality in representation?

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

Flashcard 52: What is the main objective of electoral quotas?

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

Flashcard 53: What is the objective of using a runoff election?

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

Flashcard 54: Identify the objective of a two-round system.

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

Flashcard 55: What is the main purpose of the supplementary vote (SV) system?

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

Flashcard 56: Which system uses a single vote to elect multiple representatives?

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

Flashcard 57: What is the main purpose of the supplementary vote (SV) system?

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

Flashcard 58: Identify the objective of a two-round system.

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

Flashcard 59: Which system aims to reflect voter preferences more accurately?

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

Flashcard 60: Which system encourages strategic voting to avoid vote splitting?

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

Flashcard 61: What is the primary objective of proportional representation electoral systems?

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

Flashcard 62: What is the key objective of single non-transferable vote (SNTV)?

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