5. Electoral systems

Snapshot: One vote one value? Electoral reform in Western Australia
Australia’s electoral system—Electing representatives State and Territory electoral systems—Campaigns, advertising and election funding—Voting and party identification

1. Discuss the pros and cons of compulsory voting. How does it fit in with the concept of individual freedom?

2. Compare the majoritarian and consensus approaches to political systems. Is one more democratic than the other? Why?

3. How does the current Australian electoral system favour the two major parties?

4. Discuss the electoral reform in Western Australia outlined by the authors. Do you think these changes are positive? Why or why not?

5. Discuss the role of preferential voting in determining the outcome of elections. Do you think it is effective in representing voter intentions?

6. What are some of the motivations for public electoral funding? What are some of the implications of allowing private electoral funding?

7. How important is party identification to the voting process? What are some motivations for voters to move away from party identification?

Resources

The Australian Electoral Commission

Parliamentary Library’s resource page on electoral systems

UWA database of state and federal parties, elections and governments since 1890

Dean Jaensch, Election! pp1-9
Read an extract (PDF)