PLEASE LEAVE IN 2 QUESTION FORMAT!!!
Q1. Compare and contrast parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems with emphasis on decision-making points and the extent to which checks, and balances are present. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a federal or unitary system in regard to state-building, a cohesive national identity, policymaking, and democratization?
Q2. Assess how each electoral system impacts government formation and voter behavior while describing its functionality. What role do political parties play in democracies and why are stable party systems essential in newer democracies? Why is voter participation so crucial and what can be done to encourage voter turnout in advanced democracies?
Notes to help for Q1: Decision-making points refers to (1) the executive branch proposing and executing policy and (2) the legislative process-how a bill becomes law. Checks and balances refers to (1) government formation: coalition governments, divided government, and cohabitation, (2) executive powers (where applicable) as well as impeachment and no confidence votes and (3) the role of the judiciary and constitutions. Define federalism, its forms (Cooperative/Dual/Asymmetric), and why it occurs in some nation-states. Define a unitary state and discuss devolution in a unitary state. Devolution occurs in a federal system when a state/province grants more authority to local units of governments.
Notes to help for Q2: The first question is short but the answer to this should comprise about half of your essay response. Responses must cover: Plurality, PR, Preferential, Mixed, ATV and STV electoral systems with reference to features like magnitude and threshold. You may discuss SNTV as well. Refer to Mainwaring and other notes on party system consolidation. Refer to Duverger’s Law as you connect electoral and party systems. Consider how different electoral and party systems impact government formation in all three democratic government categories. For the last question, a short paragraph is sufficient, and you can reference U.S. specific remedies like same-day voter registration or early voting but also consider comprehensive electoral reforms and voting procedures that are applicable in most if not all advanced democracies.
