Political Science Question

Overview

Electoral Systems and Party Politics

Length: 3-4 pages, 1.5-spaced, font 12 Roman, 1” margins.

ESSAY/PARAGRAPH FORMAT – not bullet points

Instructions:

1. Imagine that you are a party leader in a democratic government of one of the following states: • Brazil• Japan• France• India• United Kingdom

Describe what type of political system your state uses (presidential, parliamentary, or

semi-presidential) as well as its electoral system (majoritarian, proportional, or mixed).

2. Choose a political party in the current legislature of your state

Describe your party’s ideology (liberal, conservative, socialist, etc.)

o What does the ideal role of government look like? How should the individual and government relate to each other?

State the general principles of your party (what policies does it want to put in

place?)

What voters/citizens does your party appeal to and why? (Ex. rural/urban, religious groups, working class, all of the above?)

3. How do the existing institutions in your state impact your party’s ideology and representation?

Does the type of electoral system your state has broaden or narrow your party’s ideology?

What are some pros and cons ofthe electoral system for your party?

What are some pros and cons of your political/executive system for you party?

o Does it help your party gain power in any way?

Have fun with this! You may use outside sources if you choose – be sure to cite any direct quotes

Grading Rubric: (total of 100 points)

20 points: Identifies political system and electoral system of state chosen

30 points: Identifies political party and describes its ideology

o Outlines general policy goals of party and target audience for the party

30 points: Clearly outlines the impact of the electoral system and the political system (presidential, parliamentary, semi-presidential) on party platform and representation.

20 points: Writing is clear and legible. Assignment guidelines are followed