The most fundamental element of representative democracy is the electoral system--translating citizens' votes into representatives' seats. Electoral systems are also the most practical and accessible instrument available to democratic reformers. This systematic and comprehensive study describes and classifies 70 electoral systems used by 27 democracies including those of Western Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Israel, Japan, and New Zealand. Using comparative and statistical analysis of these systems, Arend Lijphart demonstrates the effect of the electoral formula used, the number of representatives elected per district, electoral thresholds, and five other key features of electoral systems on the proportionality of the election outcome, the degree of multipartisanism, and the creation of majority parties. In the process, he reveals that electoral systems are neither as diverse nor as complex as is usually assumed. The most definitive treatment of the subject since Rae's classic study in 1967, this book is based on more accurate and comprehensive data covering more countries and a longer time-span and uses stronger hypotheses and better analytical methods. The unique information and analysis it offers will make it essential reading for scholars and students of comparative politics.

Electoral Systems and Party Systems: A Study of Twenty-Seven Democracies, 1945-1990 (Comparative Politics)

Politics & Social Sciences

Lijphart, Arend

Philosophy

Oxford University Press

Literature & Fiction

United States

This outstanding volume brings together major arguments on what constitutes the best electoral system, particulary on the relative merits of plurality and proportional representation.

Choosing an Electoral System: Issues and Alternatives (American Political Parties and Elections)

Grofman, Bernard

Politics & Government

Praeger

While it may be difficult to achieve and maintain stable democratic governments in countries with deep religious, ideological, linguistic, cultural, or ethnic cleavages, Lijphart argues that it is not at all impossible. Through the analysis of political systems in six continents, he demonstrates that what he calls consociational democracy can be successful in severely divided or plural societies.Here, once again, Arend Lijphart is directing our attention to matters which will surely engage much of the attention of students of comparative politics in the next decade.” G. Bingham Powell, Jr., American Political Science ReviewA study which can speak to such a wide audience in political science deserves a warm welcome from the profession.” Government and OppositionA copybook example of the comparative method of political analysis, as well as indispensable reading for all who have an interest in the nature and prospects of representative democracy, whether in Europe or beyond.”The Times Higher Education SupplementThis well-written work, containing a wealth of information on politics of many diverse nations, is highly recommended.”Library Journal

Democracy in Plural Societies: A Comparative Exploration

Social Sciences

Yale Univ Pr

While it may be difficult to achieve and maintain stable democratic governments in countries with deep religious, ideological, linguistic, cultural, or ethnic cleavages, Lijphart argues that it is not at all impossible. Through the analysis of political systems in six continents, he demonstrates that what he calls consociational democracy can be successful in severely divided or plural societies. “Here, once again, Arend Lijphart is directing our attention to matters which will surely engage much of the attention of students of comparative politics in the next decade.” G. Bingham Powell, Jr., American Political Science Review “A study which can speak to such a wide audience in political science deserves a warm welcome from the profession.” Government and Opposition “A copybook example of the comparative method of political analysis, as well as indispensable reading for all who have an interest in the nature and prospects of representative democracy, whether in Europe or beyond.”―The Times Higher Education Supplement “This well-written work, containing a wealth of information on politics of many diverse nations, is highly recommended.”―Library Journal

Yale University Press

Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus Government in Twenty-One Countries

Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus Government in Twenty-One Countries.

Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in Thirty-Six Countries

In this updated and expanded edition of his classic text, Arend Lijphart offers a broader and deeper analysis of worldwide democratic institutions than ever before. Examining thirty-six democracies during the period from 1945 to 2010, Lijphart arrives at important—and unexpected—conclusions about what type of democracy works best.
Praise for the previous edition:
"Magnificent. . . . The best-researched book on democracy in the world today."—Malcolm Mackerras,American Review of Politics
"I can't think of another scholar as well qualified as Lijphart to write a book of this kind. He has an amazing grasp of the relevant literature, and he's compiled an unmatched collection of data."—Robert A. Dahl, Yale University
"This sound comparative research . . . will continue to be a standard in graduate and undergraduate courses in comparative politics."—Choice

In this updated and expanded edition of his classic text, Arend Lijphart offers a broader and deeper analysis of worldwide democratic institutions than ever before. Examining thirty-six democracies during the period from 1945 to 2010, Lijphart arrives at important—and unexpected—conclusions about what type of democracy works best. 
Praise for the previous edition:
"Magnificent. . . . The best-researched book on democracy in the world today."—Malcolm Mackerras, American Review of Politics
"I can't think of another scholar as well qualified as Lijphart to write a book of this kind. He has an amazing grasp of the relevant literature, and he's compiled an unmatched collection of data."—Robert A. Dahl, Yale University
"This sound comparative research . . . will continue to be a standard in graduate and undergraduate courses in comparative politics."—Choice

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Lijphart, Arend. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Lijphart, Arend

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Lijphart, Arend. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Electoral Systems and Party Systems: A Study of Twenty-Seven Democracies, 1945-1990 (Comparative Politics)

Electoral Systems and Party Systems: A Study of Twenty-Seven Democracies, 1945-1990 (Comparative Politics)

Choosing an Electoral System: Issues and Alternatives (American Political Parties and Elections)

Democracy in Plural Societies: A Comparative Exploration

Democracy in Plural Societies: A Comparative Exploration

Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus Government in Twenty-One Countries

Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus Government in Twenty-One Countries

Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in Thirty-Six Countries

Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in Thirty-Six Countries

Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in Thirty-Six Countries