Single Member Plurality vs Proportian Representation

1837 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Advantage of the current electoral system of Canada

Part B- Essay
Single Member Plurality versus Proportional Representation
The single member plurality system, more specifically the first past the post system (FPTP), is an electoral process most commonly used in Canadian for both federal and provincial elections. Throughout the years it has been the preferred method of national elections. However, there have been political debates as to whether Canada should undergo electoral reform. Many argue that the current SMP system does not accurately represent the interests of the citizens, and therefore should be reformed to an alternate voting method. There are both strengths and weaknesses associated with this particular system, however many believe that Canada is in great need of a electoral system that can accurately represent the concerns of all, supporting voter equality. In comparison, an alternate electoral system, known as proportional representation, will be analyzed. This system is very popular in a number of democratic nations, and is argued to be the preferable system to SMP in regards to Canadian elections. Thus, this paper will determine if the current electoral process is best for Canada by comparing and analyzing both single member plurality and proportional representation electoral systems. This following essay will discuss the benefits of the single member plurality in Canadian elections and also address its impacts on government, politics, and the national party system. Following the examination of the SMP system, a similar analysis of proportional representation (PR) and its effect in Canadian politics will also be provided to determine which electoral process is most advantageous for Canada. Thus, this paper will argue that proportional representation is potential...

... middle of paper ...

...pr. 2014 .

Flanagan, Thomas. “Campaign Strategy: Triage and Concentration of Resources”. In Elections, Edited by Heather MacIvor, Toronto: Emond Montgomery Publications, 2010.

Fridkin, Kim L., Patrick J. Kenney, and Gina Serignese Woodall. "Bad for men, better for women: The impact of stereotypes during negative campaigns."Political behavior 31.1 (2009): 53-77.

Perrella, Andrea. “Overview of Voter Behaviour Theories. In Elections, Edited by Heather MacIvor. 221-249.Toronto: Emond Montgomery Publications, 2010.

Pilon, Dennis. “Understanding Electoral Systems.” In Elections, Edited by Heather MacIvor. 35-54 Toronto: Emond Montgomery Publications, 2010.

Williams, Russell A. "Canada's System of Representation in Crisis: The "279 Formula" and Federal Electoral Redistributions." The American Review of Canadian Studies 35.1 (2005): 99,134,210. ProQuest. 10 Apr. 2014

Show More
Related

  • Making Sense of Quebec and Canada’s Ocean of Confusion: the Clarity Act

    1070 Words  | 3 Pages

    Malcolmson, P., & Myers, R. (2009). The Canadian Regime: An Introduction to Parliamentary Government in Canada (4th ed.). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: University of Toronto Press.

    Read More

  • Stephen Harper Open Federalism

    1466 Words  | 3 Pages

    Stevenson, Garth. "Canadian Federalism: The Myth of the Status Quo." Reinventing Canada: Politics of the 21st Century. Ed. M. Janine Brodie and Linda Trimble. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2003. 204-14. Print.

    Read More

  • Canada Needs Proportional Representation

    1686 Words  | 4 Pages

    One may be surprised to learn that the turnout rate of individuals voting in Canada's federal elections has never reached 80% (Elections Canada). In fact, it has been decreasing since the middle of the twentieth century, as shown by an increase in voter apathy. An electoral system is designed to provide those who live in democratic governments with the opportunity to vote – in an election – for the candidate whose platform coincides with their political beliefs. This can be achieved through a direct democracy, where citizens are directly involved in the decision-making process, or through an indirect democracy, where citizens elect a delegate to act on their behalf. In a direct democracy, all citizens would be present during governmental meetings and have the opportunity to give verbal input. As one may expect, this would be extremely difficult to coordinate with Canada's population of 34.88 billion (Statistics Canada). Canada uses an indirect democracy, which allows for two basic forms of electoral systems in which representatives are elected. In the simple plurality electoral system, the candidate who receives the greatest number of votes is elected, regardless of a majority or not. It is commonly known as the “first-past-the-post” system, which alludes to a horse race; the winner passes the post with the highest number of votes, and only need to garner more votes than their opponents. The successful candidate wins all the seats in their riding or constituency while the candidates who places second or third will receive no seats, regardless of how many votes they lose by. Proportional representation is the second form of electoral system used in Canada; the percentage of the votes received by a party is proportionate to the numb...

    Read More

  • Army Design Methodology

    1263 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shapiro, Ian, Rogers M. Smith, and Tarek E. Masoud, eds. Problems and Methods in the Study of Politics. Cambridge ; Cambridge University Press, 2004.

    Read More

  • Trudeaumania: Role Culture Plays in Achieving Political Power

    1272 Words  | 3 Pages

    Garner, R., Ferdinand, P., Lawson, S., & MacDonald, D. B. (2009). Introduction to politics. (Canadian ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

    Read More

  • Voter Turnout Decline in the United States

    2612 Words  | 6 Pages

    Samples, John. "Three Myths about Voter Turnout." Political Analysis. N.p., 14 Sept. 2004. Web. 2 Dec. 2013. .

    Read More

  • Non-citizen Residents Should Have Voting Rights

    1475 Words  | 3 Pages

    The right to vote for non-citizens has become an increasingly controversial topic due to the strong and often divisive opinions of permanent Canadian residents. The capacity to vote is one of the most important and valued freedoms granted to individuals. Although the acceptance of non-citizen resident voting is frequently encouraged in order to propel self-governing justice and immigrant inclusion, opponents claim that it is in a nation’s best interest to delay voting rights to non-citizens. According to this claim, by preserving voting rights to citizens, non-citizens would have the social responsibility to actively learn the essential community services and self-ruled obligations necessary to earn their citizenship. In spite of this claim, non-citizens should be allowed to vote because the right to vote offers immigrants a more welcomed chance to contribute in the decision-making processes that take place in Canadian legislature. Seeing that this legislature administrates the rights and freedoms of the immigrant populations, it would only be just if immigrants had the right to elect candidates who spoke on behalf of their best interests.

    Read More

  • Canada's Electoral System

    994 Words  | 2 Pages

    Proportional representation is almost always acknowledged as the fairest electoral system. With this in mind, many still reject a mixed member proportional system. Critics argue that the current method has produced a stable and effective government, while MMP would create an ineffective government. Wiseman feels that since Canada has been consistently stable, our electoral system does not need to be changed. Hiemstra and Jansen disagree with the plurality system that is currently in place for it does not produce fair representation and devalues citizen’s votes. Canadians must make a choice between the value of effectiveness and the values of justice and equity. Although a switch is not anticipated in the near future, Canadian citizens can hope that it is at least in the minds of many voters and on the discussion list of the government.

    Read More

  • Regionalism in Canada

    1815 Words  | 4 Pages

    Milner, Henry. First Past the Post? Progress Report on Electoral Reform Initiatives in Canadian Provinces. Ottawa: Institute for Research and Public Policy, 5(9), 2004.

    Read More

  • Canada's Electoral System

    1906 Words  | 4 Pages

    Pammett, J., & LeDuc, L. (2003). Explaining turnout decline in Canadian federal elections: A survey of non-voters. Elections Canada, 40.

    Read More

  • First Past the Post versus Proportional Representation Voting Systems

    1281 Words  | 3 Pages

    Britain is considering changing current first past the post voting system (FPTP) to proportional representation (PR). The main reason is that FPTP is “quasi-democratic” voting system under which there is only one majority party ruling the government and it does not represent wishes of all voters as some votes are wasted. Whereas, PR seems to be the best alternative voting system with proportionality of seats in mandatory places, more parties ruling government and etc. Let us look at these two voting systems and analyze whether PR is suitable and alternative change for FPTP and do advantages of PR outweigh disadvantages.

    Read More

  • Political Science Final Exam

    758 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...d I believe that proportional representation would be the most effective system to further the goals of democracy. If we use the single member plurality system we automatically ignore and exclude the voice of the people who didn’t win the election in a first past the post method. On the other hand in the proportional system rather than all seats being given to the party with the most votes every party gets the seats equal to the amount of votes they were able to obtain. This would allow all the people who voted to have their ‘”voice” represented in the government even though the party they voted for did not end up winning the election. This would encourage and engage many citizens to become involved in the political process; who otherwise would be discourage to vote at the fact that even if they vote, if their party loses their vote would be useless.

    Read More

  • Stereotypes In the Media

    483 Words  | 1 Pages

    It is also known that media impacts its viewers, modifying their judgments based on the information they receive. Substantial amounts of stereotypes broadcast through propaganda have similar effects. This essay will illustrate how stereotypes are generally portrayed and their function in propaganda. It will also further reveal how successful and well stereotypes can work when used in propaganda tactics. The media often uses and misrepresents stereotypes; however, they are significantly accepted by people throughout society.

    Read More

  • Media Bias

    2488 Words  | 5 Pages

    First we need to examine the cases where this is present. Less obvious stereotypes are those of women. Women?s roles in society have changed throughout the times. Are the...

    Read More

  • Why Democracy is the Best Form of Government

    1173 Words  | 3 Pages

    Blais, Andre. "Electoral Insight." CCL Web: Criteria for Assessing Electoral Systems (1999): 1-6. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

    Read More

More about Single Member Plurality vs Proportian Representation

Open Document