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The Electoral System, 2003.
A look at the weakness of the current electoral system in Canada and its better alternative.
3,098 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the current Canadian electoral system and explains single member plurality, disproportionality and proportional representation. The paper argues that disproportionality is the most problematic aspect of the Canadian electoral system since it causes the distorted representation and the regional polarization of federal political parties which both can be cured by the merits of proportional representation. It examines how in spite of its overall superiority over the current electoral system, proportional representation has a problem of lack of accountability for specific regional concerns. It looks at how a hybrid electoral system like the one in Germany would be the ideal solution for the current situation.
From the Paper
"Since 1967, Canada?s federal and provincial elections have been performed under the single-member plurality system, also called as first-past-the post. The way this system works is simple: eligible voters select one from a list of competing candidates, and the candidate receiving more votes than any other is the winner. This simplest form of electoral system is, according to Johnston, common only to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few formerly British territories (341). If there are only two candidates competing, the winner will easily win with a majority of votes. But as the number of candidates rise, which is more common case, the winner will be less likely to get the support of the majority of voters."
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The US Electoral College System, 2002.
This paper examines the structure, function and history of the United States Electoral College system.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 9 sources, $ 106.95
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Abstract
The Electoral College system is designed to provide representation of the public's interests through an election of persons who are responsible for voting. In order to understand how a popular vote and an electoral vote can produce different results when choosing a president and vice-president, it is important to understand how the electoral system works.
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Australia's Electoral System, 2008.
This paper discusses Australia's federal electoral system and its procedures.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that Australia's federal electoral system is democratic in form and in substance. The paper specifically looks at a contentious issue in the system that involves prisoner voting rights. It concludes that Australia is a country that will always strive to improve and make things better in order to truly uphold democratic principles and values.
From the Paper
"Australia has always been seen as a vibrant, progressive and economically stable country whose democratic principles serve as model for other countries. Even during the colonial times under the British Empire, Australia strived to impose egalitarianism not only in political governance but civic affairs as well. Its long history of democratic innovation, particularly in terms of electoral procedures (Reilly, 2004) can be traced back to an electoral system that has been in existence since the mid-1800s."
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The Effectiveness of the Electoral College System, 2001.
A discussion about the electoral college system in the American presidential elections.
2,095 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 13 sources, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the problems with the electoral college system of voting and proposes a change in the system which would prevent such aberrations as the 2000 presidential election in America from reoccurring The paper looks at the original intent of the framers of the Constitution and how the system has changed over time, as well as the way it works today.
From the Paper
"?One man, one vote" may be a familiar democratic motto, but it hardly applies to American Presidential elections. The Electoral College system makes it possible for a candidate receiving fewer popular votes to triumph and actually win the presidency. It was originally designed to provide protection to less populous states in the union whose tallies in the popular vote would always be proportionally small. To many modern Americans, though, this system, however well intended, seems to have produced some bizarre distortions. The claustrophobically close 2000 Presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush has revived the intermittent, long-running dispute over the validity of the Electoral College, refueling the debate about whether or not to maintain it. Valid or not, a change in the way the electoral count is conducted would resolve problems such as the ones which arose in the 2000 presidential election. My own position, which is neither for nor against the Electoral College as such, proposes a change in the system, which can resolve anomalies such as the 2000 presidential election."
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The Federal Republic of Germany's Electoral System, 2004.
This paper analyzes the successes and failures of the electoral system in the Federal Republic of Germany.
1,866 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the principle of proportional representation in Germany. It begins by describing the two-ballot voting system and the minimum requirements for parties to have seats in the Bundestag. Then, it describes the successes of these systems and how their specific attributes contribute to real democracy. It also addresses the problems of the German system, namely "excess mandates," formulaic biases towards larger parties, and a few other problems. It concludes by discussing the application and adaptation of the German electoral system in other parts of the world.
From the Paper
"Since the French revolution of 1789 peoples all over the world have examined the ways in which they are governed and strived to democratize their societies. The differing historical experiences and philosophical backgrounds of the world?s cultures have contributed to innumerable variations of democratic governance. This diversity specifically applies to what is, perhaps, the most important sub-system of a democracy?the electoral system. The electoral system of a democratic state is responsible for the procedures by which the electorate expresses its preferences for leadership. Consequently, societies will persistently reform and reexamine their electoral systems and forms of democracy in general in an effort to improve their performances. To aid in this endeavor it is helpful to analyze the systems of other states so that lessons can be learned from their successes and failures. Moreover, in an era of nation-building when fledgling democracies are being set up in trouble-spots in the world, effective electoral systems and their variations must be studied closely to aid in the process. To these ends, the electoral system of the Federal Republic of Germany (henceforth referred to either as Germany or the FRG)?that is, the method by which Members of Bundestag are elected?has been widely cited and celebrated for its high level of performance in realizing the principle of parliamentary electoral politics based on proportional representation. The concept of proportional representation is one offered as a solution to two main problems in the construction of electoral systems: ensuring that, in the end, each vote cast is equally represented relative to every other votes cast and establishing a system in which party competition is able to present policy alternatives without contributing to the fragmentation that undermines governmental efficacy (Powell 2004). Germany?s success in applying proportional representation remedies to these problems is rather unique within the community of liberal democracies and presents a unique opportunity for examination."
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Canada's Electoral System, 2007.
This paper discusses the plurality and democratic ideals of the electoral system in Canada.
1,328 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that in the last few years, the Canadian election system has been revised to reflect the changing and developing nature of Canadian politics. The paper discusses the goal of ensuring that the electoral process retains its plurality and untainted representative character. The paper looks at legislation that ensures equal and fair media access to all officially registered political parties and their candidates. The paper concludes that Canada's electorate appears to be one of the most forward thinking electorates in the developed world.
From the Paper
"Canadian electoral processes are contained in a series of laws that span canonist topics from elections themselves to media, but all combine to form a comprehensive set electoral policies codified through law: Canada Elections Act, Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the Criminal Code, Income Tax Act, and the Broadcasting Act ("Electoral"). This series of comprehensive laws has been in development since the 1860s following the founding of Canada. As evidence of Canadian election law's ever expanding plurality one need only examine the severe constraints upon who could vote early in the country's history. Initially, only male Caucasians were allowed to vote even this early white male suffrage was limited by certain property restrictions (Studlar pars.4-10). Eventually all adult males were added to the voting eligibility roster with women later being included."
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Democratic Electoral Systems, 2004.
An explanation of the various types of democratic voting systems around the world.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by comparing the electoral voting system in the U.S. with that of other democratic nations. The paper explains that the U.S. uses the electoral college system, whereby each state is allocated a value depending on size and population, and then the state vote is collected to make the overall national vote. The paper then looks at other countries' systems, including Canada, Mexico, and Australia. The writer comments on why voter turnout in America is low compared to other democratic countries.
From the Paper
"One of the main differences between the United States election process and other democratic nations? in the United States? use of the Electoral College. In the United States, the Electoral College is the Constitution?s name for the provisions for electing the president. In effect, the United States Electoral College elects the president through individual simultaneous state elections, rather than through one national election. This Electoral College is comprised of electoral colleges in each state. Those electoral colleges are made up of individual voters, who are responsible for casting two votes each, one for president and one for vice president."
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Canada & New Zealand: Electoral Systems., 2002.
A comparison of the election system in New Zealand and Canada.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This report will discuss how New Zealand's electoral system is more efficient as it gives more citizens a chance to vote through the mixed member proportional system.
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Australia's Electoral System, 1997.
Federal system & its impact on composition of House & Senate. Includes a table.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"AUSTRALIA?S FEDERAL ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE
Introduction
This research examines the federal electoral systems in Australia with a view toward assessing the impact of these systems on the composition of the country?s House of Representatives and Senate. The findings of this research are presented in discussions of the structure of government at the federal level in Australia, federal level electoral systems, and an assessment of the effects of the electoral systems on House of Representatives and Senate composition.
Structure of Government At the Federal Level in Australia
An independent nation, Australia functions as a parliamentary democracy. The federal level of government is.."
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Should the Electoral College be Abolished?, 2001.
A discussion about whether the Electoral College system of electing the President of the U.S. should be abolished and whether this system is undemocratic.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper paper shows the arguments for and against the abolishment of this electoral system. It discusses the history of the electoral system in the United States and presents arguments by both parties on why this system is a non-democratic, unrepresentative one. It shows how in the recent Presidential elections, some may argue that the winning candidate was not the one who got the most votes.
From the Paper
"The Electoral College system for electing the President was widely examined and often criticized following the November, 2000 election. Two times in recent history we faced the possibility that a Presidential candidate would get most of the popular vote and yet lose in the Electoral College. The Electoral College interferes with the individual voter?s opportunity to express a preference for one candidate over another because only the Electoral College votes really count."
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Electoral College, 2007.
This paper argues against using the electoral college system as the method of voting for president in the United States.
1,292 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an argument for the United States to adopt a popular vote system, where each citizen gets one vote. The paper looks at the composition of the electoral college and studies what conditions led to this body's creation in the first place. The paper then details why the current political and social climate no longer necessitate the electoral college system.
Outline:
Origins and Composition
Theoretical Concerns
Practical Difficulties
From the Paper
"The Electoral College system rests on the principle that states play a significant part in deciding national politics. The number of a state's electoral votes is equal to the number of its senators and representatives, with the District of Columbia being allocated three votes. This comes to a total of 538 electoral votes. To win a presidential election, a candidate thus has to carry at least half the number of electoral votes (Wilson and DiLulio 373)."
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The Electoral College, 2006.
This paper details the workings of the electoral college system and discusses whether or not it's still a viable method for electing presidents in America.
2,458 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 22 sources, APA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history of the electoral college which was devised not only to reflect American federalism but also to give disproportionate power to small states and reduce the power of popular democracy. The writer of this paper details the Bush - Gore election in which George W. Bush became the first presidential candidate to lose the popular vote but win the electoral college vote since Benjamin Harrison defeated incumbent president, Grover Cleveland, in the same manner in 1888. Predictably, there was a strong reaction to the election result from critics of the electoral college, with Senator Hillary Clinton, among others, seeking its abolition. Yet, at the same time, there are many who continue to defend the electoral college. This paper examines whether the electoral college is still a viable way to elect presidents in the 21st century, the circumstances under which the system was established, how the system works now and what sort of changes have occurred since its inception. The writer of this paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the electoral college as well as alternatives needs which need to be examined to improve upon this election system.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Establishment of the Electoral College
How it Works
How it Has Changed
Arguments for Retaining the Electoral College
Arguments for the Abolition of the Electoral College
Conclusion
Bibliography
Newspapers
Journals and Periodicals
Books
From the Paper
"The central issue for most opponents of the electoral college is their belief that it is undemocratic. League of Women Voters president Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins commented after the last presidential election: "The electoral college, a curious vestige of the 18th century, violates the principle of one-person, one-vote. The time has come to abolish it." This view argues that the electoral college is a relic of an 18th century electoral system, representing a viewpoint that the public cannot be wholly trusted and that an elite group of individuals who "really know best," can. It is argued that this system has well and truly become an anachronism. Democracy, with full participation by the governed, may not be a perfect system and may be at times messy, however, there is no better way to legitimize the process and validate its results."
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2008 Election, 2007.
This paper discusses the 2008 election and looks at the electoral system in the United States.
2,723 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
In this study, the writer proposes that a mixed-electoral system is the best electoral structure for the United States considering the high levels of inequality in the present system. Furthermore, the writer proposes that it should adopt a PR list tier next to a majoritarian nominal tier. Further, the writer suggests that the United States choose the "connection" model between nominal and list tiers. Lastly, the writer proposes that the United States should employ a closed-list for selecting candidates who run for elections.
Outline:
Introduction
Mixed Electoral Systems
The Proposed Electoral System for United States
From the Paper
"For this study, we define mixed electoral systems as a division of the wider class of multiple-tier systems of voting. An electoral system utilizes multiple-tiers if seats have been assigned in two, or may be more, overlying sets of regions, in such a way that every voter is allowed to cast at least one vote (or more than one vote) that are utilized to assign seats in more than simply one tier. Models comprise the Belgian system of comparatively minute multi-seat regions, wherein votes are moved into upper tiers founded on districts to guarantee a strong estimation to PR. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Greece are amid the PR structures that utilize two or three tiers of allotment, which typically create the system a lot more proportional than those systems where only one tier is used."
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The Electoral College vs. Popular Vote, 2007.
This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both the current American electoral college and an alternative popular vote system.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that critics charge that the current American electoral college makes it possible for presidents to be elected who do not have an absolute majority of the popular vote, which diminishes the legitimacy of the final victor. The author then points out that one of the arguments in favor of the electoral college is that it prevents powerful, populous regions from monopolizing the electoral outcome as would happen in a popular vote system. The paper relates that, in the popular vote, direct ballot system, parties are given seats in proportion to their share of the votes cast, thus ensuring that the popular vote is not distorted; however, the popular vote system will contribute to fragmentation and instability by making it easier for "fringe" or narrowly-focused political parties to emerge in opposition to the current two major parties.
From the Paper
"Other criticisms leveled against the Electoral College include arguments that the system creates the potential for "faithless voters" who are pledged to vote for one candidate but who chose, for a variety of reasons, to vote for another. Interestingly, if one expert is correct, there have been a number of such electors in recent years. Moving forward, critics also charge that, because every state is given the same number of electoral votes regardless of its "voter turnout", there is no incentive to encourage greater voter participation - although Kimberling seems skeptical about its overall impact."
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The Electoral College: Is it a Keeper?, 2000.
An argumentative paper on why we should keep the Electoral College after the election of 2000.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, $ 42.95
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Abstract
An examination of the the Electoral College and the support and opposition that exists for it. The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the Electoral College arguing that the Electoral College is the best and most systematic and fair way to run elections. Included is a background to the Electoral College and a thorough description of its formation and duties.
) Why do we have the Electoral College?
2) The Founding Fathers disputed how the president would be chosen
i) By direct vote of the people
ii) By Congress
b) Compromised with the Electoral College
c) Thesis Statement
3) Description of the Electoral College
a) How many there are
b) How they are chosen
c) How the people vote for them
d) How the President is voted for
4) The Electoral College has opposition
a) Electors don?t have to vote the way they pledged
b) There can be a tie in the Electoral College
b) The popular vote winner may lose the election
5) There can be a tie
a) How there can be a tie
b) Why it could be a problem
6) Electors don?t have to vote the way they pledged
a) The states and their penalties
b) An Example of an elector changing his mind
c) Why it could be a problem
7) The popular vote winner may be the loser
a) How it is happening in this election
b) A past example
c) Hillary?s promise to abolish the Electoral College
d) What would happen without the Electoral College
8) Oppositions solution is to abolish the Electoral College
a) Why it should be abolished
i) A possible tie
ii) Electors can change their vote
iii) The popular vote winner losing the election
b) Why the Electoral College should not be abolished
i) One problem can be fixed
ii) Another has a solution
iii) The last is not really a problem
9) A possible tie
a) Unlikely because each state would have to go a specific way
b) The solution that is already made
10) Electors can change their minds
a) Only 9 of over 18,000 have
b) It is hard to get an elector to change his or her mind
c) The solution is to pass a law
11) The minority may win the election
a) The Electoral College forces candidates to include more people than if there is no Electoral College.
b) Without it, the election would be decided by people that lived in the large cities
c) Small communities would?t be significant enough for candidates to use their campaign money
d) The majority of the US would be left out
e) Why every vote counts in the Electoral College
12) The Electoral College is the best way to run an election
a) The elector flaw can be fixed
b) There is already a solution to the tie problem
c) The majority losing is better than only letting big cities have a say in the election
From the Paper
?You don?t know? What do you mean you don?t know?? Gore has already won the popular vote! Three weeks later, and the US doesn?t know who the 43rd president will be! Each candidate is still scrambling to get the 270 Electoral votes needed to win. But, if Gore has the most votes, why is there still a race? What are these Electoral votes? When our Founding Fathers were setting the policies for the elections, there was a debate. Some said the election of the President should come directly from the people; others said the people could not handle the responsibility, and Congress should do it. They compromised, and came up with the Electoral College. A couple hundred years later, the Electoral College is still in use, and there is support and opposition for it."
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