APComp: Unit 4, Party, Electoral Systems, Citizen Organizations - Elections, Campaign Finance, Media, Voter Turnout, Referendums

What This Means

Elections are a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, allowing citizens to choose their leaders and shape the direction of their country. In the UK, for example, the 2019 general election saw a significant shift in power, with the Conservative Party winning a majority of seats and Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister. Understanding elections is crucial for grasping how countries are governed, as they can lead to changes in policy, leadership, and the overall trajectory of a nation.

Key Terms & Concepts

• Campaign Finance: The money spent by candidates or parties to support their election efforts. In the US, for example, the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision (2010) allowed corporations to spend unlimited amounts on campaign ads.
• Media: The outlets that report on and shape public opinion about elections. In Russia, state-controlled media often promotes the ruling party's agenda.
• Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible citizens who cast ballots in an election. In Nigeria, voter turnout has been low in recent elections, with some estimates suggesting less than 30% of eligible voters participated in the 2019 presidential election.
• Referendum: A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or policy. In Switzerland, referendums are a common way to decide on major policy changes.
• Electoral Threshold: The minimum percentage of votes required for a party to win seats in a legislature. In Germany, the 5% threshold ensures that only parties with significant support are represented in the Bundestag.
• Single-Member Districts: Electoral systems where one representative is elected from each district. In the UK, single-member districts are used for most parliamentary seats.
• Proportional Representation: Electoral systems where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes received by each party. In Israel, proportional representation leads to coalition governments.
• Incumbency Advantage: The advantage enjoyed by sitting politicians in elections. In the US, incumbents often have an easier time winning re-election due to their name recognition and access to campaign funds.
• Gerrymandering: The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries for partisan gain. In the US, gerrymandering has been used to favor one party over another.
• Ballot Access: The rules governing which candidates or parties can appear on the ballot. In some US states, ballot access laws can make it difficult for third-party candidates to participate in elections.
• Voter ID Laws: Laws requiring voters to show identification at the polls. In the US, voter ID laws have been implemented in some states to prevent voter fraud.

How This Works in Practice

• In the UK, a vote of no confidence can force a prime minister to resign, as seen in 2019 when Theresa May's government lost a confidence vote.
• In Mexico, the electoral authority (INE) is responsible for ensuring the integrity of elections, including verifying voter rolls and monitoring campaign finance.
• In Russia, the ruling party (United Russia) often uses its control of state media to promote its candidates and policies.
• In Iran, the Guardian Council has the power to vet candidates for office, effectively limiting the range of choices available to voters.
• In China, the Communist Party exercises significant control over the electoral process, with candidates often being selected through a process of nomination and approval.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: Elections are always free and fair.
• Correction: While many countries hold elections, some are not free or fair due to factors like voter suppression, gerrymandering, or manipulation of the electoral process. In the US, for example, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to protect the rights of African American voters in the South.
• Misunderstanding: All countries use the same electoral system.
• Correction: Different countries use various electoral systems, such as single-member districts, proportional representation, or mixed-member systems. In Germany, for example, the mixed-member system combines elements of both single-member districts and proportional representation.
• Misunderstanding: Voter turnout is always high in democratic countries.
• Correction: While some countries have high voter turnout, others struggle with low participation rates. In the US, for example, voter turnout has been declining in recent elections.

Quick Comparison Table or Scenarios

Scenario 1: Which type of legitimacy does Kim Jong-un rely on? Answer: Charismatic legitimacy, as he has maintained power through a combination of personal charm and authoritarian control. Scenario 2: Which country uses a mixed-member electoral system? Answer: Germany, which combines elements of single-member districts and proportional representation.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• A "state" is not the same as a "government" – the state is the permanent institution, the government is temporary.
• The UK uses a first-past-the-post electoral system, where the candidate with the most votes wins.
• In the US, the Electoral College system allocates electoral votes to candidates based on the popular vote in each state.
• Ballot access laws can make it difficult for third-party candidates to participate in elections.
• The Guardian Council in Iran has the power to vet candidates for office.
• Voter ID laws have been implemented in some US states to prevent voter fraud.
• Gerrymandering can be used to favor one party over another in elections.
• Incumbency advantage can make it difficult for challengers to win elections.
• Proportional representation leads to coalition governments in some countries.
• The INE in Mexico is responsible for ensuring the integrity of elections.
• Single-member districts are used in many countries, including the UK and the US.