Question

In: Economics

Why do we use plurality? What is Duverger's Law?

Why do we use plurality?

What is Duverger's Law?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Plurality Voting

Plurality voting is an electoral system wherein voters are allowed to vote only for one candidate.It is a system wherein the candidate who has polls more than the other counterparts (plurality) is elected. It is also called as the  single-choice voting or simple majority.The main benefits of the plurality system is that it is easy to understand by the voters, as the voters have to simply mark their vote to the preferred candidates when a ballot is being used. It also makes the decision making process simple and quicker. It is far more convenient and cost effective than any other methods.The system best operates under a two-party system.Moreover, the result ofthe the election is also simple to undertsand, as the candidate with highest number of votes wins.This rule is also called as the ' first past the post' or FTFP.

Also, plurality method can used in the selection of personnels and executives and officers in associations and organizations such as trade unions. Its also a method adopted in  meetings of boards of directors of a Company.

Duverger's Law

The Plurality Method results in producing  large number of seats for the majority poltical party. Thus, the plurality systems usually ends up producing strong single-party governments. Consequently, it results in a stable political system because there is no need to form coalition governments.

Duverger's law is a theory in political science that after enough time the constituencies that use the Plurality Method will have a two-party system.

The Law states that the Plurality method results in reduction of the number of political parties compared to other methods in Electoral system.Thus, resulting that a single party will hold majority of the legislative seats. Further, it can also produce governments that may not consider as wide a range concerns and points of views.Other methods in the Electoral system like the proportional representation (PR) system creates conditions that fosters the development of multiple parties, while the Plurality method marginalizes select few political parties, and results in a two-party system.

Thus, the voters will vote for a candidate that they disagree with as they disagree even more with the opposite candidates. Thus, the voter will not have a way of expressing their dissenting opinion.

The Duverger's law intends to see the relationship between the electoral system and the party system, and the the causal relationship between the two; how the poitical system is a consequence of the electoral system.


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