Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, Government, Elections
Cover of the book Electoral Rules and Democracy in Latin America by Cynthia McClintock, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Cynthia McClintock ISBN: 9780190879785
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: March 28, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Cynthia McClintock
ISBN: 9780190879785
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: March 28, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

During Latin America's third democratic wave, a majority of countries adopted a runoff rule for the election of the president, effectively dampening plurality voting, opening the political arena to new parties, and assuring the public that the president will never have anything less than majority support. In a region in which undemocratic political parties were common and have often been dominated by caudillos, cautious naysayers have voiced concerns about the runoff process, arguing that a proliferation of new political parties vying for power is a sign of inferior democracy. This book is the first rigorous assessment of the implications of runoff versus plurality rules throughout Latin America, and demonstrates that, in contrast to early scholarly skepticism about runoff, it has been positive for democracy in the region. Primarily through qualitative analysis for each country, the author argues that, indeed, an important advantage of runoff is the greater openness of the political arena to new parties--at the same time that measures can be taken to inhibit party proliferation. In this context, it is also the first volume to address whether or not a runoff rule with a reduced threshold (for example, 40% with a 10-point lead) is a felicitous compromise between majority runoff and plurality. The book considers the potential for the superiority of runoff to travel beyond Latin America--in particular, and rather provocatively, to the United States.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During Latin America's third democratic wave, a majority of countries adopted a runoff rule for the election of the president, effectively dampening plurality voting, opening the political arena to new parties, and assuring the public that the president will never have anything less than majority support. In a region in which undemocratic political parties were common and have often been dominated by caudillos, cautious naysayers have voiced concerns about the runoff process, arguing that a proliferation of new political parties vying for power is a sign of inferior democracy. This book is the first rigorous assessment of the implications of runoff versus plurality rules throughout Latin America, and demonstrates that, in contrast to early scholarly skepticism about runoff, it has been positive for democracy in the region. Primarily through qualitative analysis for each country, the author argues that, indeed, an important advantage of runoff is the greater openness of the political arena to new parties--at the same time that measures can be taken to inhibit party proliferation. In this context, it is also the first volume to address whether or not a runoff rule with a reduced threshold (for example, 40% with a 10-point lead) is a felicitous compromise between majority runoff and plurality. The book considers the potential for the superiority of runoff to travel beyond Latin America--in particular, and rather provocatively, to the United States.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work Practice by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Commodities by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Inventing a Christian America by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Stories from the Five Towns - With Audio Level 2 Oxford Bookworms Library by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book To Stand with the Nations of the World by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Echoes of Mutiny by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Defending Democratic Norms by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book The Libyan Revolution and its Aftermath by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book The Spirit Moves West by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Climate Change Impacts on Ocean and Coastal Law by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book The Indian Great Awakening by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Friction by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book Christmas in America by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book The Occupiers by Cynthia McClintock
Cover of the book A Future in Ruins by Cynthia McClintock
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy