PSC Comparative Politics 2

Question 1

Proportional representation electoral systems tend to produce which type of party system?

Accepted Answer

Multiparty systems

Answer

Proportional representation allocates seats based on vote share, making it easier for smaller parties to win seats and thus encouraging multiparty systems.

Question 2

The 'Westminster model' of democracy is primarily associated with which country?

Accepted Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

The Westminster model, characterized by parliamentary sovereignty, cabinet government, and single-member districts, originated in and is most associated with the United Kingdom.

Question 3

Samuel Huntington's 'third wave' of democratization primarily occurred during which period?

Accepted Answer

1974–1990s

Answer

Huntington's third wave began with Portugal's 1974 transition and spread through Southern Europe, Latin America, and Eastern Europe into the 1990s.

Question 4

Arend Lijphart's 'consensus democracy' is best characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Spreading power broadly through coalition governments and power-sharing

Answer

Consensus democracy spreads power broadly through coalition governments, proportional representation, federalism, and other power-sharing mechanisms.

Question 5

Which electoral system awards seats to candidates with the most votes in single-member districts?

Accepted Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

First-past-the-post awards the seat to whichever candidate receives the most votes in a single-member district, requiring only a plurality, not a majority.

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC - Political Science Certificate Practice Test

PSC Comparative Politics 2