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American Government and Organization

American Government and Organization. PS1301-164 Monday, 29 September. Review. Midterm and Review Sheet Discuss Incumbency advantage and the electoral system. Incumbency Advantage. Decline in Competition. Incumbent Victory Margins. Explanations for Incumbency Advantage. Name Recognition

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American Government and Organization

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  1. American Government and Organization PS1301-164 Monday, 29 September

  2. Review • Midterm and Review Sheet • Discuss Incumbency advantage and the electoral system

  3. Incumbency Advantage

  4. Decline in Competition

  5. Incumbent Victory Margins

  6. Explanations for Incumbency Advantage • Name Recognition • Greater resources for staff, travel, local offices, and communication • In 2001, these allowances ranged from $980,699 to $1,469,930 per legislator in the House; $1,926,296 to $3,301,071 in the Senate • Casework • Campaign contributions • Hard work • Electoral Rules

  7. How the Electoral System Can Reduce Competition • Members of Congress are elected from states and congressional districts by plurality vote – that is, whoever gets the most votes wins (also referred to as first past the post (FPTP). • Redistricting creates “safe” districts • Senate races are more competitive in part because states are more diverse, more balanced party competition

  8. Donovan/Bowler – Reforming the Republic Table 3.1 p49 Congressional Elections Example of votes to seats bias from First past the post elections

  9. Sample Ballot for California Recall • Two Questions • Shall Gray Davis be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor? • Candidates to succeed Gray Davis as Governor if he is recalled. Vote for one. • Link to Sample Ballot

  10. Alternatives • Proportional Representation • gives a party a share of seats in the legislature matching the share of votes it wins on election day. • Thus voters choose among parties, not individual candidates

  11. Proportional Representation: German Bundestag • Generally, vote for party not candidate • Mixed system – two votes • Germany and New Zealand

  12. New Zealand Proportional (Mixed) System 120 members total About 55 elected by party vote from one large national district Also divided into first-past-the-post (plurality winner) single member districts (electorate vote)

  13. Sample Ballot-Primary Election for Mayor or City Attorney

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