Compact Risk: Some Downsides to Establishing National Plurality Presidential Elections by Contingent Legislation

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter provides an explicitly empirical understanding of electoral system choice. It examines presidential election results in countries that employ first-past-the-post and two-round majority systems. The chapter also examines 233 election results from sixty-two countries in order to see how well the popular will was represented. Electoral design and reform inevitably pose the risk that the resultant arrangements will have unanticipated consequences for the political system. This is especially important if the rationale for reforming the United States system of presidential selection is to better capture the popular will. Critics of the Electoral College frequently emphasize the fact that at various points in history its operation has apparently defied the will of the people. The concern most often expressed with regard to electoral arrangements for presidents is that of legitimacy. Two-round majority systems, by contrast, in virtually all cases produce a president that garners a majority of votes, if only in the second round.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationElectoral College Reform
Subtitle of host publicationChallenges and Possibilities
EditorsGary Bugh
PublisherAshgate Publishing Ltd
Pages113-126
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781315579023
ISBN (Print)9780754677512, 9781138260344
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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