chapters 7, 8, and 11 l3 Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the primary drivers of democratization?
Economic development, social modernization, international influences, and institutional reforms.
How does modernization theory explain democratization?
It posits that economic development leads to social changes that foster democratic institutions.
What role do international actors play in democratic transitions?
They can exert pressure, provide support, or serve as models for democratic governance.
How do elite negotiations influence democratic change?
Pacts among elites can facilitate peaceful transitions by ensuring mutual guarantees.
What is the significance of civil society in democratization?
A robust civil society promotes political participation and holds governments accountable.
What mechanisms do authoritarian regimes use to maintain power?
Repression, co-optation, propaganda, and controlled political participation.
How do some authoritarian regimes use elections?
To legitimize their rule and monitor opposition, while limiting genuine competition.
What is the role of patronage in authoritarian persistence?
Distributing resources to loyal supporters helps maintain regime stability.
How does international support affect authoritarian regimes?
External backing can bolster regimes by providing economic aid and political legitimacy.
What challenges do authoritarian regimes face in the digital age?
Increased information flow can undermine state control and mobilize dissent.
How do electoral systems impact political representation?
They shape party systems, voter behavior, and the proportionality of outcomes.
What is district magnitude, and why is it important?
The number of representatives elected per district; higher magnitude usually means more proportional outcomes.
How do majoritarian and Proportional Representation. systems differ?
Majoritarian systems favor decisive governments and accountability, while Proportional Representation. systems prioritize representation and inclusiveness.
What is an electoral threshold?
A minimum percentage of votes a party must obtain to enter the legislature.
What are mixed electoral systems?
Systems combining elements of PR and majoritarian voting, like MMP (Germany) or Two-Round Systems (France).
What are intra-party choice systems?
Electoral systems that allow voters to influence candidate selection within parties, such as open-list PR.
How does Orit Kedar’s research contribute to our understanding of electoral systems?
She shows how voters behave strategically and how institutional rules affect policy outcomes.
What is compensatory voting?
Voters choose parties that balance coalition outcomes, not just ones closest to their own ideology.
How do electoral systems affect government accountability?
Clearer in majoritarian systems, more diffuse in Proportional Representation systems with coalitions.
What role does proportionality play in representation?
It determines how closely the percentage of votes matches the share of seats each party receives.
How does district magnitude influence party systems?
Higher magnitude generally leads to more parties being represented.
Why do voters behave strategically under some electoral systems?
To influence coalition outcomes or maximize vote utility under restrictive rules.
