PSCI 300 - Paper #1.docx - Do the strengths of...

Do the strengths of ‘majoritarian’ political systems outweigh the weaknesses?
1) Introduction
The concept of democracy has always been heavily debated for developed and
developing countries. These debates specifically focus on how democracy should be
formed, established, governed, and implemented. Lipjhart states that, “an ideal
democratic government would be one whose actions were always in perfect
correspondence with the preferences of all its citizens.” 1 Although, this prefect
government is impossible to create and carry out, countries should keep in mind and
aspire to such a government. Frequently, the debate on democracy usually concludes
with the choice of one of the two most common forms of a democratic government
which is either a majoritarian or consensus political system.
2
A majoritarian political
system, is associated with presidential systems with single member plurality systems,
multi-member plurality, and single member majoritarian systems with alternative vote
and two-ballot system. A consensus democracy, is mostly associated with proportional
representation electoral systems in parliamentary government. Both democracies have
their own different yet unique approach to successfully represent their citizens by either
delegating policy-making power to the majority only or including representatives for all
including minorities. It is ultimately up to the citizens of those countries to pick the type
of democracy that will protect and serve their best interest; however, in order to make
1 Lijphart, A. (1984). “Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus
Government in Twenty-One Countries”. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. pg.1.
2 Clark, W. R. et al. (2009). “Principles of Comparative Politics”. Didcot: Marston Book
Services Ltd. pg. 502.

the decision one must analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their potential
democracy, and whether those strengths are strong enough to outweigh the
weaknesses. In order to distinguish the main strengths and weaknesses of a
majoritarian political systems, and whether the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, it is
vital to determine the principles of how a majoritarian political system is practiced
throughout politics and elections.
2) Clarification of Key Concepts and Theories
Before distinguishing the strengths and weaknesses in a majoritarian political
system it is important to clearly understand key concepts of a majoritarian political
system. In regards to Lijphart definition of a perfect democratic government, a
majoritarian political system allows for the citizens’ majority vote in elections to take
control of government. Allowing for the majority of citizens satisfied with results of
elections, and also having their single vote matter and make a different. A majoritarian
political system power is exclusive to the party elected to government. Few limits on
authority to pursue their electoral mandate. In a majoritarian political system there are
two different types of systems within it. The first one is known as the single member