Political Party Systems

Paper Summary:

This paper states that, while both the U.S. and U.K. political party systems are democratic in nature, the American system of candidate selection is more democratic because major parties in the American system allow any individual to be a candidate but major parties in the U.K.'s system pre-select candidates in central committees. The author points out that the U.S. selection process has been soundly criticized for letting money, special interests and political interests create strong favoritism for some candidates. The paper relates that the American and U.K. political system are about equal in government accountability; however, the U.K. system tends to present voters with clearer choices and candidates that are more qualified.

From the Paper:

"In the United States, candidate selection is less centrally managed. In addition, the use of primaries creates more uncertainty in the process. In the U.S. system, competent and qualified candidates may be overlooked early on in favor of those with more money to spend on their campaigns, or better public personas. In addition, these individuals are not screened for qualifications or competence. The U.K.'s candidate selection system is better able to provide clear choices for voters in the general election."

Sample of Sources Used:

• BBC News. Candidate Selection, Saturday, 17 February, 2001, 14:57 GMT. http://news.bbc.co.uk/vote2001/hi/english/voting_system/newsid_1166000/1166514.stm
• Black Information Link. Labour Party GUILTY of Racial Discrimination. http://www.blink.org.uk/pdescription.asp?key=2566&grp=66&cat=330
• Wikipedia. Candidate Selection Procedure in the US and the EU. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candidate_Selection_Procedure_in_the_US_and_the_EU
• Wikipedia. Elections in the United Kingdom. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_the_United_Kingdom#Party_system
• Wikipedia. Politics of the United Kingdom. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_government#Political_parties_and_elections

More papers on Political Party Systems:

• Analytical Essay # 114738 : "The Political Party System"
• Persuasive Essay # 105652 : "A Third National Political Party"
• Term Paper # 107272 : "Political Parties in the U.S."

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