Overview

How do different electoral systems work to translate votes into seats? What effects do they have on the political system, on political actors, and on voters? Does the choice of electoral system always involve a trade-off between strong and stable government and representation? And do electoral systems matter as much as we might think? This fully revised and expanded third edition examines the principal types of electoral systems used in over 75 of the world’s democracies. It explores why countries choose the electoral systems they do and explains how the different systems function; it investigates the consequences of electoral systems, including on the party system and on government formation and stability, on representation and the quality of democracy, and on parties, politicians, and voters. Clearly structured, wide-ranging in focus, and incorporating an array of visual material – including authentic ballot papers, tables and figures – this in-depth study remains the go-to text for students and researchers seeking to understand electoral systems around the world.

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9781350348967

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Reviews

This textbook will be undoubtedly be of use for anyone seeking to understand the complex world of electoral systems. It deals clearly and knowledgeably with the most important topics in the field of electoral rules. * Ignacio Lago, Professor of Political Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain * Making a complex topic highly accessible, David Farrell’s Electoral Systems is simply the best and clearest introduction into the world of how electoral systems work and the effects they have on political life. This new edition remains a ‘go to’ text, for students and academics alike * Alistair Clark, Professor of Political Science, Newcastle University, UK * This is a highly readable introduction to the world of electoral systems and the incentives they pose for voters, candidates, parties, and elected representatives. * Brian F. Crisp, Professor, Department of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis, USA *

Author Information

Dr Elisabeth Carter is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Keele University, UK. Her research focuses on electoral systems, party systems and party competition, and political parties, particularly those of the extreme right. Professor David Farrell MRIA, holds the Chair of Politics at University College Dublin. A specialist in the study of representation, electoral systems and parties, his recent books include: The Oxford Handbook of Irish Politics (Oxford University Press, 2021), and Deliberative Mini-Publics: Core Design Features (Bristol University Press, 2021). Dr Gemma Loomes is Lecturer in Comparative Politics at Keele University, UK. Her research focuses on political parties, party competition, and party systems.

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