Voting Systems and Strategic Behavior

The video explores why the US predominantly has a two-party system, contrasting it with Canada's multi-party system. It introduces Duverger's Law, which suggests that plurality voting systems favor two-party systems, and Duverger's Hypothesis, which posits that two-round systems encourage multi-partyism. The video discusses factors like voting thresholds and strategic voting, which influence party representation. It also examines the strategic decisions of candidates and donors in elections, highlighting the complexities of electoral dynamics.

What is the main difference between the political party systems in the U.S. and Canada?

• The U.S. has a multi-party system.

• Canada has more parties with parliamentary representation.

• Canada has a two-party system.

• The U.S. has more parties in Congress.

According to Duverger's Law, what type of electoral system favors a two-party system?

• Proportional representation

• Simple majority single ballot

• Two-round system

• Mixed-member proportional

In a plurality voting system, what is the threshold for a party to win a seat?

• At least 25% of votes

• At least 50% of votes

• Highest number of votes

• Majority of votes

What is strategic voting?

• Voting for the most popular candidate

• Voting for a less preferred candidate to avoid wasting a vote

• Voting for a candidate based on their policies

• Voting for a candidate from a different district

Why might a voter choose not to vote for their preferred candidate in a single ballot system?

• They believe their candidate will win anyway

• They are not allowed to vote for their preferred candidate

• They want to support a less preferred candidate to prevent an undesirable outcome

• They are unsure of their candidate's policies

What dilemma do candidates face in a plurality system?

• Whether to form a coalition

• Whether to campaign in multiple districts

• Whether to change their political stance

• Whether to run or not if they are non-viable

How do donors act strategically in a plurality system?

• By funding non-viable candidates

• By only supporting viable candidates

• By supporting all candidates equally

• By donating to multiple parties

According to Duverger's Hypothesis, what type of system favors multi-partyism?

• Proportional representation

• Mixed-member proportional

• Single ballot system

• Two-round system

In a two-round system, what advantage do voters have?

• They can only vote in the second round

• They can vote for their preferred candidate without strategic concerns

• They can change their vote in the second round

• They can vote for multiple candidates in the first round

What is a potential reason for Canada having more viable parties than the U.S.?

• Canada uses a single ballot system

• Canada has viable regional parties

• Canada has fewer districts

• Canada has a larger population