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Political Science
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Apr 3, 2024
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1. Fukuyama: the end of history (argument)
2. Kaplan: democracy is just a moment (argument and evidence)
3. First past the post electoral systems, how they work, strengths and weaknesses, who they favor, and why
First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral systems are characterized by single-member districts where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Here's a breakdown of how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, who they favor, and why:
How they work:
In FPTP systems, voters cast their vote for a single candidate in their
constituency.
The candidate with the most votes, even if they do not have an absolute majority, wins the seat.
This system is used in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States (in some elections), and Canada.
Strengths:
1.
Simplicity: FPTP is straightforward and easy to understand
for voters.
2.
Stable Governments: FPTP often leads to single-party
majority governments, which can provide stability and clear
decision-making.
Weaknesses:
1.
Disproportionate Representation: FPTP can lead to a
mismatch between the percentage of votes a party receives
and the number of seats they win, potentially resulting in a
lack of proportional representation.
2.
Wasted Votes: In FPTP, votes for losing candidates have
no impact on the result, leading to a perception of wasted
votes.
3.
Limited Voter Choice: FPTP can limit voter choice,
especially in areas dominated by one party.
Who they favor:
FPTP systems tend to favor larger, established parties, as they are more likely to win seats due to the winner-takes-all nature of the system.
It can also favor geographically concentrated parties.
Why:
FPTP systems favor larger parties because they are more likely to win seats in individual constituencies, even if they do not have majority support across the country.
The system's winner-takes-all approach can lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few major parties, potentially marginalizing smaller parties and independent candidates.
In summary, while FPTP systems are simple and can lead to stable governments, they also have drawbacks such as disproportionate representation and limited voter choice, often favoring larger, established parties due to their winner-takes-all nature.
4. Proportional representation electoral systems, how they work, strengths and weaknesses, who they favor, and why
Proportional representation (PR) electoral systems aim to ensure that the proportion of seats a political party wins in an election closely mirrors the proportion of votes they receive.
There are several types of PR systems, including party-list PR, mixed-member PR, and single transferable vote.
How they work:
In a party-list PR system, voters cast their vote for a political party, and seats are allocated to parties based on the percentage of votes they receive.
In mixed-member PR, voters typically cast two votes: one for a candidate in their constituency and one for a political party.
The seats are then allocated to ensure proportional representation based on the overall party vote and the constituency results.
Single transferable vote systems involve ranking candidates in order
of preference, and seats are allocated based on these preferences.
Strengths:
1.
Representation:
PR systems tend to provide more
accurate representation of the electorate's views, including
smaller parties and minority groups.
2.
Inclusivity: They can lead to a more diverse and
inclusive legislature, as smaller parties and independent
candidates have a better chance of winning seats.
3.
Reduced Wasted Votes:
PR systems reduce the number
of wasted votes, as even parties with a small percentage of
the vote can win seats.
Weaknesses:
1.
Complexity:
Some PR systems can be complex for voters
to understand, especially those involving ranked voting or
mixed-member systems.
2.
Potential for Instability:
PR systems can lead to
coalition governments, which may be less stable than single-
party governments.
3.
Weakened Constituency Links:
In some PR systems,
the direct link between a representative and a specific
geographical area is weakened, potentially reducing
accountability.
Who they favor:
PR systems tend to favor smaller parties and minority groups, as they provide a better chance of winning representation in the legislature.
They also tend to favor collaboration and compromise among different political groups.
Why:
PR systems favor smaller parties and minority groups because they allocate seats in proportion to the votes received, allowing for a more diverse representation in the legislature.
This can lead to a more inclusive political landscape, giving a voice to a wider range of viewpoints and interests.
5. Rational choice theory, free riders, and political participation
Rational choice theory
is an approach that understands individual
behavior as the result of rational decision-making.
It assumes that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of their actions and make choices that maximize their self-interest.
Free riders
are individuals who benefit from a public good without contributing to its production.
In the context of political participation, free riders are those who enjoy the benefits of collective action (such as public policies or societal changes) without actively participating in the political process.
Political participation
refers to the various ways in which individuals engage in the political process, such as voting, attending
political rallies, joining interest groups, or running for office.
Rational choice theory can be applied to understand why individuals
choose to participate or not participate in political activities, considering the costs and benefits associated with such actions.
In the context of political participation, rational choice theory helps explain why some individuals may choose not to participate in political activities, especially if they perceive that the costs of participation outweigh the benefits.
This can lead to the issue of free riders, where individuals may benefit from political outcomes without actively contributing to the political process.
Understanding these concepts can provide insights into the dynamics of political engagement and the challenges associated with collective action in society.
6. Does political participation matter to democracy?
Answer: Yes
, political participation matters to democracy.
Explanation: Political participation is crucial to the functioning of a democracy.
It allows citizens to engage in the political process, express their preferences, and hold their representatives accountable.
Through activities such as voting, joining political parties, attending public meetings, and engaging in public discourse, citizens contribute to the decision-making processes that shape their society.
Political participation ensures that diverse voices are heard, promotes representation, and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, all of which are essential for a healthy
and vibrant democracy.
7. Social movement theories and what they explain
Social movement theories seek to explain the origins, development, and outcomes of social movements. They provide frameworks for understanding the motivations, organization, and impact of collective action. Some key social movement theories include:
1.
Resource Mobilization Theory: This theory emphasizes
the importance of resources (such as money, labor, and
organizational skills) in the success of social movements. It
focuses on how movements mobilize and utilize resources to
achieve their goals.
2.
Political Process Theory: This theory examines the
political opportunities and constraints that influence the
emergence and success of social movements. It considers
factors such as political openness, state repression, and the
availability of allies in shaping movement outcomes.
3.
New Social Movement Theory: This theory highlights
the changing nature of social movements in post-industrial
societies. It emphasizes issues related to identity, culture, and
quality of life, and how these factors shape contemporary
movements.
4.
Frame Alignment Theory: This theory focuses on the
role of collective identity and shared beliefs in mobilizing
individuals to participate in social movements. It examines
how movements frame their grievances and goals to resonate
with potential supporters.
5.
Resource Mobilization Theory: This theory emphasizes
the importance of resources (such as money, labor, and
organizational skills) in the success of social movements. It
focuses on how movements mobilize and utilize resources to
achieve their goals.
6.
These theories help explain the motivations behind social
movements, the strategies they employ, and the broader
social, political, and cultural contexts in which they operate.
8. Woodly: role of social movements in democracy
1.
Voice of the People: Social movements provide a
platform for citizens to voice their grievances, advocate for
their rights, and push for social and political change. They
often represent marginalized or underrepresented groups,
amplifying their concerns within the democratic process.
2.
Pressure for Change: These movements exert pressure
on the government and other institutions to address social,
economic, and political issues. By mobilizing public opinion
and raising awareness, they can influence policy decisions and
bring about reforms.
3.
Accountability and Oversight: Social movements act
as a check on governmental power, ensuring that elected
officials and institutions remain responsive to the needs and
demands of the people. They help to hold leaders accountable
for their actions and policies.
4.
Promotion of Civic Engagement:
By engaging citizens
in collective action, social movements foster civic participation
and awareness. They encourage people to become active in
the democratic process, promoting a more informed and
engaged citizenry.
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