Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Primary elections in which only registered party members can vote to select their party’s candidate for the general election.

An election where only registered party members can vote to choose their party's candidate for the general election. This system limits participation to party affiliates.

An electoral system where voters select a party rather than individual candidates, and parties determine the order of candidates elected from their list. It emphasizes party control over candidate selection.

The mechanisms and strategies used by political parties within a coalition government to maintain unity and ensure members support agreed policies and votes.

A government formed by multiple political parties cooperating to hold a majority.

An election where party members vote directly to choose their candidates for a subsequent general election.

A principle stating that single-member district plurality systems tend to favor two-party systems. It explains how electoral rules influence party structures.

A stable political system where the number of viable parties matches the incentives created by the electoral system, often two in plurality systems.

A measure of the number and size of ethnic groups in a society, influencing party systems and voting patterns.

Internal divisions within a political party or movement caused by competing interests or ideologies.

A theory that parties in government restrict access to legislative benefits to maintain party unity and control over policy.

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically after a census. It can impact political representation and party advantage.

An electoral system that awards additional seats to the party with the most votes to ensure a legislative majority.

An election system where the candidate or party with the majority of votes wins, often leading to single-party governments. It contrasts with proportional systems.

A political system where multiple parties compete for power and often share governance responsibilities.

Voter loyalty driven more by dislike or opposition to other parties than attachment to one’s own. This can increase political polarization and voter turnout.

A proportional representation system where voters can influence the order of candidates on a party’s list, affecting which candidates win seats.

An election where any registered voter can participate in choosing a party’s candidate, regardless of party affiliation. It encourages broader voter participation.

The expectation that party members vote and act according to party policies and leadership.

A significant and lasting shift in the political party system, often changing voter coalitions and party ideologies.

The degree to which a party system is divided into multiple parties with no dominant party.

The stability and strength of political parties and their relationships within a political system over time. High institutionalization promotes predictable politics.

A major shift in the political landscape where voter loyalties and party support change significantly and persistently.

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority. It is common in single-member districts.

Deep and lasting divisions in society, such as class, religion, or ethnicity, that shape political party systems and voter alignments.

A party organization that uses patronage and mobilization to maintain political control, often relying on loyalty and favors. Machines can dominate local politics.

The practice of giving government jobs or favors to supporters and allies as a reward for political loyalty. It can undermine merit-based governance.

A significant and lasting shift in the patterns of party support or voter coalitions, often changing the dominant political party system.

Presidential coattails describe the influence a popular presidential candidate has in boosting the electoral success of their party's down-ballot candidates.

The method of distributing seats or delegates based on the percentage of votes received. This system aims to reflect voter preferences fairly.

Deep divisions in society based on factors like ethnicity, religion, or class that shape political party support. These cleavages influence party systems and voting patterns.

When a third-party or minor candidate draws votes away from a major candidate, potentially changing the election outcome. This often occurs in plurality systems.

A party official or elected leader who has a vote in selecting a party's presidential nominee, independent of primary or caucus results. Common in some party systems like the US Democrats.

A party system dominated by two major political parties.

An electoral system where the candidate or party with the most votes wins all the representation or delegates.