election rules

Polsci 10/21 Election rules& their effects general points 1. Rules are not neutral 2. Plan of presentation A. U.S rule B. Alternative rule(s) C. Effect of U.S rule 1. Timing determinant (when will the election be held?) 1. U.S rule: calendar basis 2. Alt. Rule: discretionary basis Effects of timing determinant 1. Factors out issues (?issue cycles?) 2. Low VTO 3. Reduces the likelihood of govt. capture 2. Timing sequence (which offices are up for grabs when?) 1. U.S: staggered terms 2. Alt: simultaneous election of identical terms 3. EFFECTS 1. Reduces likelihood of government ?capture? 2. Reduces consensus w.in government 3. Basis of representation (who or what is being represented?) 1 U.S: geographically defined districts 2. Alternative rules: (1) at- large elections (2) corporatism Basis of representation: effects 1. Promotes parochialism 2 protects political minorities 3. Allows for gerrymandering A. Political gerrymanders B. Racial gerrymanders 4. Reduces likelihood of government ?capture? 4. Determining a winner (who is elected?) 1. U.S: plurality winner 1. Also single member districts 2. Also winner-take-all districts 3. So: SMPWTA elections Alt: proportional representation Determining a winner: effects 1. ?minorities? are under-represented 2. Promotes two-party system 5. Vote weight (how much does your vote count?) 1. U.S: equal weight (?one-man/one vote? rule) 2. Alt: unequal weight Where in the usa? 1. U.S senate elections 2. Presidential elections! Vote weight :effects 1. Prevents some representational inequalities 2. Presidential elections are impacted 3. ?representation? in the senate is impacted