POL 4150 ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND POLITICAL PARTIES. Dr. François-Pierre Gingras

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1 POL 4150 ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND POLITICAL PARTIES Dr. François-Pierre Gingras January 6 April 7, 2004 Tuesday, 13:00 14:30 1 Stewart Street, room 125 Thursday, 11:30 13:00 Consultations Telephone (voice mailbox): , ext Tabaret Hall, room L fgingras@uottawa.ca Office hours (until 6 avril) : with or without appointment: Tuesday, 9 11:45 and 2:30 5 Thursday, 9 11:15 Description Analysis of the main electoral systems and theories regarding political parties and electoral behaviour. Role of electoral systems, parties and elections in political representation, with an emphasis on the Canadian context. Prerequisite: POL2201. COURSE OUTLINE subject to change First Part : January 6 February 17, 2004 Political Parties and Elections in Canada Topics covered in Part I Origins and development of the Canadian federal electoral system. Origins and development of the Canadian federal and provincial party systems. Current issues : Do middle-of-the road electoral strategies encourage alienation and cynicism? The ideological spectrum of major political parties in Canada and other liberal democracies. How was the Referendum Clarity Bill a consequence of the results of the 1995 referendum in Québec? The uses and limitations of referendums and plebiscites in liberal democracies. Is proportional representation desirable for Canada? Conflicting views about electoral reform. Required readings for Part I (available at Agora bookstore) CARTY, R. Kenneth, William CROSS and Lisa YOUNG. Rebuilding Canadian Party Politics. Vancouver: UBC Press, Canadian party politics collapsed in the early 1990s. This book is about that collapse, about the end of a party system, with a unique pattern of party organization and competition, that had governed Canada's national politics

2 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 2 for several decades, and about the ongoing struggle to build its successor. Rebuilding Canadian Party Politics discusses the breakdown of the old party system, the emergence of the Reform Party and the Bloc Québécois, and the fate of the Conservative and New Democratic Parties. It focuses on the internal workings of parties in this new era, examining the role of professionals, new technologies, and local activists. To understand the ambiguities of our current party system, the authors attended local and national party meetings, nomination and leadership meetings, and campaign kick-off rallies. They visited local campaign offices to observe the parties' grassroots operations and conducted interviews with senior party officials, pollsters, media and advertising specialists, and leader-tour directors. 276 p. List price: $ Morisset Reserve : JL 195.C CROSS, William, ed. Political Parties, Representation, and Electoral Democracy in Canada. Toronto: Oxford University Press, Discusses political parties at both the federal and provincial levels. Issues examined include: efforts by political parties to be more inclusive, democratic and responsive; a decline in support for brokerage practices and elite accommodation; a rise in anti-partyism and a consequent increase in interest group activity; changing attitudes and practices regarding the participation of women in the political process; and, an increase in the scope of issues open to the political process and public debate. Includes 18 well-established contributors. 256 p. List price: $ Morisset Reserve: JL 195.P MILNER, Henry, Steps Toward Making Every Vote Count: Electoral System Reform in Canada and its Provinces. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press, Brings together the best analyses from the best qualified observers on developments in the growing movement to reform Canada's electoral system. Among mature democracies, only the United States and Canada use the firstpast-the-post (FPTP) system for electing all state and provincial, as well as national, lawmakers. In Canada the debate over the electoral system, which began in earnest after the 1997 federal election, is now moving from the university and think-tank seminar room to the floor of five provincial legislatures. Four key chapters present upto-date accounts of developments in BC, Québec, PEI, and Ontario. They show the provinces moving at different speeds toward meeting an objective to propose a specific model of proportional representation that also ensures a continued role for directly elected representatives of specific geographic boundaries. Two chapters recount experiences in New Zealand and Scotland, which have adopted electoral plans attempting just such a balance. Others look at South Africa, Japan, France, and the United States - each selected for the light it casts on a specific aspect of electoral system reform. The remaining chapters consider various practical implications of changing Canada's electoral system - now a very real prospect. 319pp. List price $ Morisset Reserve? Recommended websites for Part I Elections Canada < Parliament of Canada < Second Part : March 1 April 7, 2004 Electoral Systems and Political Parties in Comparative Perspective Topics covered in Part II Each team will be responsible to present an overview of the electoral system and the party sytstem of a particular country AND to discuss a selected issue in comparative perspective. This list is subject to change. Dates to be determined. United Kingdom What electoral implications has the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy? The relationship between electoral systems and parliamentary or presidential regimes. United States

3 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 3 What went wrong in 2000 and was it better in 2004? The evolution of voting mechanisms, from raising one s hand to e-voting. France How could the extreme right get so close to power? Support for extreme right parties. Belgium Why was the Vlaams Blok declared illegal? The conditions under which political parties may be outlawed. Germany Does Germany really have the ideal electoral system? The variety of systems using proportional representation. Ukraine Are electoral scandals a reflection of political culture? The forms of electoral corruption across time and space. Japan If the emperor is god, how can democracy be possible? Electoral politics in constitutional monarchies. Israel What is the impact of the electoral system on cabinet formation and public policy? Public policies under minority or coalition governments. Iraq Are democratic elections possible in a state of chaos? The basic prerequisites of electoral democracy. Iran Do elections matter in a theocracy? The constraints on the democratic process, Ivory Coast Who can be president? The requirements to vote and to be elected. Readings for Part II The readings will be determined by the instructor in consultation with students responsible for leading seminars on particular topics.

4 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 4 Recommended websites for Part II CIA [Central Intelligence Agency, USA]. The World Factbook 2004 < CNN [Cable News Network]. World Election Watch < < < International Foundation for Election Systems. Election Guide < Kimber, Richard. Elections and Electoral Systems around the World < Kimber, Richard. Political Parties, Interests Groups and Other Social Movements <

5 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 5 Seminars Every student will be expected to read 25 to 40 pages each week to prepare for these seminars. Countries to be determined on January 13 and readings to be announced on February 17. March 1 March 3 March 8 March 10 March 15 March 17 March 22 March 24 March 29 March 31 April 5 April 7 Grading scheme A. Research (team work) 70% Selection of country and issue (before January 13) Rough outline, tentative bibliography (January 27) 10 Detailed, annotated outline and bibliography (February 15) 10 Presentation with PowerPoint (March 1 April 7) 25 Written report (April 7) 25 B. Final take-home examination (due April 25 to be confirmed) 30% Three questions asked two to be answered NORMS FOR WRITTEN PAPERS AND EXAMINATIONS Make sure to follow the set of rules presented in the Writing and Style Guide for University Papers and Assignments < Also make an effort to avoid spelling and grammatical mistakes or be ready to lose up to 10% for these mistakes. Print all papers and examinations double-spaced and always keep a copy for future reference. Take into consideration that deadlines are firm: late papers or examinations will not be accepted, except in exceptional circumstances (see Faculty regulations). Beware of Academic Fraud! Academic fraud is an act committed by a student to distort the marking of assignments, tests, examinations and other forms of academic evaluation. Academic fraud is neither accepted nor tolerated by the University. Anyone found guilty of academic fraud is liable to severe academic sanctions.

6 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 6 Here are a few examples of academic fraud: engaging in any form of plagiarism or cheating; presenting falsified research data; handing in an assignment that was not authored, in whole or in part, by the student; submitting the same assignment in more than one course, without the written consent of the professors concerned. In recent years, the development of the Internet has made it much easier to identify academic plagiarism. The tools available to your professors allow them to trace the exact origin of a text on the Web, using just a few words. In cases where students are unsure whether they are at fault, it is their responsibility to consult the University s Web site at the following address, you will find Tools for Writing Papers and Assignments at < Persons who have committed or attempted to commit (or have been accomplices to) academic fraud will be penalized. Here are some examples of the academic sanctions, which can be imposed: a grade of F for the assignment or course in question; an additional program requirement of between three and 30 credits; suspension or expulsion from the faculty. Last session, most of the students found guilty of fraud were given an F for the course and had between three and 12 credits added to their program requirements. You are also strongly advised to consult the following webpages: Beware of Academic Fraud < How to Avoid Plagiarism < RESEARCH PROJECTS Each team will be responsible to present an overview of the electoral system and the party sytstem of a particular country AND to discuss a selected issue in comparative perspective : this research will be evaluated in four stages (see Grading scheme, above). Selection of country and issue. You must indicate three preferences before January 13. If the country does not appear in this list on p. 2-3, you must justify your suggestion. Twelve countries/issues will then be allocated to teams of two or three students, based on their preferences,as much as possible. Rough outline and tentative bibliography (at least 5 sources, including 2 not on the Internet). About 3 p. ( words), due January 27.

7 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 7 Detailed, annotated outline and bibliography (at least 8 sources, including 4 not on the Internet). About 5 p. ( words), due February 15. In addition, you must suggest a p. reading for the whole class in preparation for your seminar : you should discuss this reading with the instructor before Feb. 15 and hand in a ready-to-photocopy version of it along with your outline and bibliography. Presentation with PowerPoint. Each team is required to lead a 80-minute seminar, allowing about half of the period for discussion. The digital presentation should include slides. You may also show a short video, if appropriate (discuss it with the instructor beforehand). You must hand out a 2- page summary at the beginning of the seminar. Address the class as if you were experts and this were a parliamentary committee or an United Nations conference (business dress strongly advised see National Model United Nations, What are the NMUN Dress Code Guidelines < The presentation should include two sections of roughly equal lengths : (1) a summary of your key findings on the electoral system and the party sytstem of a particular country (historical evolution and current situation, including the present standing of parties in parliament, proportion of women and minority members, party lines and coalitions, etc.); (2) an examination of a relevant issue in comparative perspective (comparing this country to Canada and other appropriate countries). Be prepared for questions from other students and the instructor and bring additional materials if necessary. Don t underestimate your audience s prior knowledge. Written report. Your team s written research report must be handed in no later than April 7. It must include a table of contents and a bibliography. It should have two main sections : a description of the electoral system and the party sytstem of a particular country and an examination of a relevant issue in comparative perspective. The is no page limit, but it is expected that reports will range from 20 to 40 p. Your are strongly advised to discuss the contents of your report with the instructor several times throughout the term. TAKE-HOME EXAMINATION The take-home examination is designed to test your understanding of the main electoral systems and theories regarding political parties and electoral behaviour. You are expected to have done substantial readings for this course and to have attended lectures and seminars throughout the term. The examination will ask you to synthesize your knowledge of selected issues, comparing Canada to other countries. You will be asked three questions and must answer only two. Answers must be printed, with a maximum length of five pages (double-spaced) for each answer.

8 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 8 Additional sources Suggested periodicals American Journal of Political Science Canadian Journal of Political Science Comparative Political Studies Contemporary European Studies Contemporary Politics Electoral Insight [published by Elections Canada, available online] Electoral Studies Journal of Political Marketing Politique et société Revue internationale de politique comparée Additional recommended websites Carleton University, Country Indicators for Foreign Policy < Democracies Online Newswire < International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Voter Turnout from 1945 to date, a Global Report on Political Participation < Inter-Parliamentary Union databases < Glennon, Michael J., Where no Majority Rules : The Electoral College and Presidential Succession, Washington, Congressional Quaterly Press, 1993 < O Neal, Brian, Electoral Systems, Ottawa, Parliamentary Library, Political and Social Affairs Division, 1993 < Pierre-Yves Lambert, Suffrage universel < Additional recommended readings (articles and books) This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives a good overview of the field try to avoid relying solely on North American sources. Bréchon, Pierre 1999 Les partis politiques, Paris, Montchrestien Broughton, David & Mark Donovan 1997 Changing Party Systems in Western Europe, London, Pinter Campbell, Angus & al Elections and the Political Order, New York, Wiley

9 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 9 Canada Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing 1991 Reforming electoral democracy : final report (4 vols.), Ottawa, the Commission [CA1 Z1 91R22 or JL 193.C ] Studies (23 vols.), Toronto, Dundurn [CA1 Z1 91S check out UO Library catalogue for individual titles and call numbers] Charlot, Jean 1971 Les partis politiques, 2e éd., Paris, A. Colin Cotteret, Jean-Marie et Claude Émeri 1983 Les systèmes électoraux, Paris, PUF, coll. Que sais-je? Dogan, Mattei et Dominique Pelassy 1980 La comparaison internationale en sociologie politique, Paris, Librairies techniques Dogan, Mattei 1997 «Erosion of Confidence in Advanced Democracies», Studies in Comparative International Development, vol. 32, no 3, pp Donegani, Jean-Marie et Marc Sadoun 1994 La démocratie imparfaite : essai sur le parti politique, Paris, Gallimard Duverger, Maurice 1976 [1964] Political parties, their organization and activity in the modern state, London, Methuen Eldersveld, Samuel, J Political Parties : A Behavioral Analysis, Chicago : Rand McNally Hainsworth, Paul 2000 The Politics of the Extreme Right : From the Margins to the Mainstream, London, Pinter Hazan, Reuven Y Centre Parties : Polarization and Competition in European Parliamentary Democracies, London, Pinter Henderson, Karen et Neil Robinson 1997 Post-Communist Politics, Londres, Prentice Hall Hermet, Guy, Julian Thomas Hottinger et Daniel-Louis Seiler 1998 Les partis politiques en Europe de l Ouest, Paris, Économica Key, V. O., Jr Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups, 5th ed., New York, Crowell Pombeni, Paolo 1992 Introduction à l histoire des partis politiques, Paris, Presses universitaires de France Riker, William H «Le bipartisme et la loi de Duverger», dans Riker, William H., Droit, institutions et systèmes politiques. Mélanges en hommage à Maurice Duverger, Paris, PUF Roskin, Michael G Countries and Concepts, 6 e éd., Upper Saddle River NJ, Prentice-Hall Saint-Ouen, François 1990 Les partis politiques et l'europe: une approche comparative, Paris, Presses universitaires de France

10 Prof. F.-P. Gingras, POL 4150 (Winter 2005), p. 10 Young, Lisa 1998 «Party, State and Political Competition in Canada : The Cartel Model Reconsidered», Canadian Journal of Political Science, vol 31, pp