Electoral Systems: A Global Perspective

by Elisabeth Carter, David M. Farrell, Gemma Loomes

Overview

How do different electoral systems work to translate votes into seats? What effects do they have on the political system, on political actors, and on voters? Does the choice of electoral system always involve a trade-off between strong and stable government and representation? And do electoral systems matter as much as we might think?
This fully revised and expanded third edition examines the principal types of electoral system used in over 75 of the world's democracies. It explores why countries choose the electoral systems they do and explains how the different systems function; it investigates the consequences of electoral systems, including on the party system and on government formation and stability, on representation and the quality of democracy, and on parties, politicians, and voters.
Clearly structured, wide-ranging in focus, and incorporating of an array of visual material – including authentic ballot papers, tables and figures – this in-depth study remains the go-to text for students and researchers seeking to understand electoral systems around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350348967
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/28/2024
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dr Elisabeth Carter is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Keele University, UK. Her research focuses on electoral systems, party systems and party competition, and political parties, particularly those of the extreme right.

Professor David Farrell MRIA, holds the Chair of Politics at University College Dublin. A specialist in the study of representation, electoral systems and parties, his recent books include: The Oxford Handbook of Irish Politics (Oxford University Press, 2021), and Deliberative Mini-Publics: Core Design Features (Bristol University Press, 2021).

Dr Gemma Loomes is Lecturer in Comparative Politics at Keele University, UK. Her research focuses on political parties, party competition, and party systems.

Table of Contents

1.The Study of Electoral Systems
2.The Single Member Plurality System and its Cousins
3.Majority Electoral Systems: Two-Round Systems and the Alternative Vote
4.The List Systems of Proportional Representation
5.Mixed-Member Electoral Systems
6.The Single Transferable Vote System of Proportional Representation
7.The Systemic Consequences of Electoral Systems
8.The Strategic Consequences of Electoral Systems
9.Electoral System Design and Reform
10.Do Electoral Systems Matter?

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Farrell yet again delivers a master class . . . This book will sit easily on the bookshelves of seasoned electoral system academics, as well as those starting out on their electoral systems scholarly journey.' Fiona Buckley, Irish Political Studies Reviews of the 1st edition: 'David Farrell concisely describes - and dramatically illustrates with sample ballot papers - the variety of electoral systems across the world. His book will be an eye-opener for those unaware of the implications of alternative methods of voting. Students everywhere will learn much - about their own as well as other systems - from reading this book.' - Kenneth Janada, Northwestern University

'This excellent book provides clear and comprehensive desription, analysis and assessment of different electoral systems...[T]horough...admirably clear and well exemplified...Farrell's skilful work of synthesis is the best available text on electoral systems.' - Adrian Blau, Political Studies Review

'By far the best book on the subject.' - Reuven Hazan, The Hebrew University, Israel

Editorial Reviews

“This textbook will be undoubtedly be of use for anyone seeking to understand the complex world of electoral systems. It deals clearly and knowledgeably with the most important topics in the field of electoral rules.” —Ignacio Lago, Professor of Political Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain

“Making a complex topic highly accessible, David Farrell's Electoral Systems is simply the best and clearest introduction into the world of how electoral systems work and the effects they have on political life. This new edition remains a 'go to' text, for students and academics alike” —Alistair Clark, Professor of Political Science, Newcastle University, UK

“This is a highly readable introduction to the world of electoral systems and the incentives they pose for voters, candidates, parties, and elected representatives.” —Brian F. Crisp, Professor, Department of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis, USA

“This is a very welcome new edition of a textbook on electoral systems that I have consistently recommended to students for over a dozen years! It covers the main types of electoral systems in excellent detail and complements this with a discussion of the effects of electoral systems and electoral reform. It is written in an accessible style and provides many interesting examples which, commendably, are not confined to Western European democracies” —Allan Sikk, Associate Professor, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London, UK

“Electoral Systems: A Global Perspective is an outstanding introductory electoral systems textbook. The authors expertly craft direct explanations of complex topics and weave in details about the history of elections that provide new insights to experts in the field.” —Erik S. Herron, Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of Political Science, West Virginia University, USA

From the Publisher