This is a preview. Log in to get access
Abstract
The paper reviews the debate over the various dimensions of electoral systems. It presents the major options and the main empirical and normative arguments in support of each of them. The objective is to look at each option from the perspective of its proponents and to summarize their reasoning as accurately as possible. A good case can be made for each option. The paper also assesses the empirical arguments in the debate through a systematic review of the evidence. In most cases the evidence tends to substantiate the arguments, though often with nuances. Finally, the paper identifies the major values invoked in the debate. These values closely correspond to what the literature suggests as the basic functions of democratic representation. /// L'article fait le point du débat sur les systèmes électoraux en résumant les arguments théoriques et empiriques présentés en faveur de chacun d'eux. Aucune des options retenues ne saurait être rejetée à la légère car les données dont nous disposons indiquent que chacune d'elles est confortée, au moins partiellement, lorsque nous la soumettons au test de la théorie de la représentation en système démocratique.
Journal Information
The International Political Science Review [IPSR] is the quarterly journal of the International Political Science Association [IPSA]. It is committed to publishing material that makes a significant contribution to international political science. It seeks to meet the needs of political scientists throughout the world who are interested in studying political phenomena in the contemporary context of increasing international interdependence and global change. The IPSR reflects the aims and intellectual tradition of its parent body, IPSA: to foster the creation and dissemination of rigorous political inquiry free of subdisciplinary or other orthodoxy.
Publisher Information
SAGE Publications is an academic and professional publisher. We publish books, journals and software under the SAGE, Corwin Press, Paul Chapman Publishing, Pine Forge Press, SAGE Reference, SAGE Science and Scolari [US and Europe websites] imprints.
Rights & Usage
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions
International Political Science Review / Revue internationale de science politique
Request Permissions
This is a preview. Log in to get access
Abstract
Until recently electoral systems have usually proved remarkably resilient to radical reform. Yet in the last decade this pattern has been broken in a number of established democracies. The emergence of newer democracies has also generated a resurgence of interest in what criteria should be used in the choice of an electoral system. Given these developments, the aim of this article is to outline the main variants in different types of electoral system; to consider the normative criteria underpinning debates about reform; and to evaluate the relevant standards for choosing an electoral system. The article compares legislative elections in 53 democracies, including countries at different level of economic and political development, in order to examine the effects of electoral systems under a wide variety of conditions. /// L'apparition de nouvelles démocraties ainsi que la récente fragilité de systèmes électoraux qui semblaient auparavant immunisés contre toute réforme radicale ont ravivé le débat sur les effets et sur les critères normatifs qui gouvernent ou devraient gouverner le choix d'un système électoral. L'article compare les traits distinctifs des principaux systèmes, en évalue les critères normatifs et en mesure les conséquences politiques. Les données comparatives sont fournies par les élections de 53 démocraties situées à des niveaux différents de développement politique. Il ressort de la comparaison que les effets du système électoral varient en fonction de l'état du système politique.
Journal Information
The International Political Science Review [IPSR] is the quarterly journal of the International Political Science Association [IPSA]. It is committed to publishing material that makes a significant contribution to international political science. It seeks to meet the needs of political scientists throughout the world who are interested in studying political phenomena in the contemporary context of increasing international interdependence and global change. The IPSR reflects the aims and intellectual tradition of its parent body, IPSA: to foster the creation and dissemination of rigorous political inquiry free of subdisciplinary or other orthodoxy.
Publisher Information
SAGE Publications is an academic and professional publisher. We publish books, journals and software under the SAGE, Corwin Press, Paul Chapman Publishing, Pine Forge Press, SAGE Reference, SAGE Science and Scolari [US and Europe websites] imprints.
Rights & Usage
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions
International Political Science Review / Revue internationale de science politique
Request Permissions