PPR339 Elections, Voters and Political Parties

Tutor: Martin Steven
Term: Michaelmas

Course Description

This module focuses on the most fundamental component of democratic political systems – elections. In particular, it analyses key political behaviour issues related to models of voting, electoral system design, and party organisation. It adopts a broadly comparative approach, with an emphasis on advanced industrial democracies in the west – especially the UK, but also other parts of the EU and the US. The module will examine the merits of different voting behaviour models; the politics of electoral system design and choice; the rise of anti-party/anti-politics sentiment; as well as the modern methods parties utilise as they attempt to market themselves to voters. There will also be classes on developments in party organisation; contemporary party ideologies; the nature of party system change and continuity; and finally the relevance of public opinion to modern government and public policy.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Assess the merits of the different models of voting behaviour
• Come to a view about good practice and design in relation to electoral systems
• Identify the main concepts and models of party organisation
• Be aware of the causes and consequences of ideological change in political parties
• Understand the main concepts of party system formation and development
• Study government formation (including coalitions), and the relationship between elections, parties and policy
• Make comparisons between political behaviour in different national and regional contexts

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 1 essay of 3000 words. Exam: 2 hours.

Teaching Method

Lecture (1.5 hours) and seminar (1 hour) weekly.

Introductory Reading

D Denver, C Carman, R Johns Elections and Voters in Britain

C Van der Eijk and M Franklin Elections and Voters

P Norris Electoral Engineering: Voting Rules and Political Behavor

P Mair Party System Change – Approaches and Interpretations

A Ware Political Parties and Party Systems

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