POLSC101: Introduction to Political Science

2.6: Elections

• Boundless Political Science: "Chapter 8: Campaigns and Elections" URL

  Read each of the pages under the "Campaigns and Elections" header. Pay close attention to the "Winning an Election: Majority, Plurality, and Proportional Representation" subsection in the "Elections" page, as this will help explain why the U.S. has a two-party system.

• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance: Pintor and Gratschew, ed.'s "Voter Turnout since 1945: A Global Report" File

  Read pages 13-19 and 75-88. Compare and contrast the turnout rates for different countries and consider the variables (social, economic, and political) which contribute to a country's propensity for its citizens to exercise (or not exercise) their right to vote.