Does the Composition of Government Reflect Citizens' Party Preferences?

21 Pages Posted: 24 Jul 2014

See all articles by André Blais

André Blais

University of Montreal - Department of Political Science

Guntermann Eric

University of Montreal

Marc A Bodet

University of British Columbia - Department of Political Science

Date Written: 2014

Abstract

This paper looks into the impact of electoral systems on the representation of citizens' party preferences. We assess representation using questions asking people to indicate how much they like/dislike parties in modules 1, 2, and 3 of the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems. We find that proportional systems are better at representing the overall distribution of preferences and at including in cabinet citizens' first preferences. However, non-proportional systems are better at including in cabinet the party that is most liked overall, at excluding the least liked party, at producing an outcome whereby governing parties are better liked overall than non-governing parties, and having fewer citizens whose least liked party is in cabinet.

Suggested Citation

Blais, André and Eric, Guntermann and Bodet, Marc A, Does the Composition of Government Reflect Citizens' Party Preferences? (2014). APSA 2014 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2455354

André Blais

University of Montreal - Department of Political Science ( email )

Pavillon Lionel-Groulx
3150, rue Jean-Brillant
Montréal, Québec H3T 1N8
Canada
514-343-7349 (Phone)

Guntermann Eric (Contact Author)

University of Montreal ( email )

Marc A Bodet

University of British Columbia - Department of Political Science ( email )

2329 West Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia BC V6T 1Z4
Canada

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