The Achilles Heel of Plurality Systems: Geography and Representation in Multiparty Democracies

摘要: Building on the unfinished research program of Gudgin and Taylor (1979), we analytically derive linkage between a party's territorial distribution support basic features its vote-seat curve. We then demonstrate usefulness corresponding empirical model with an analysis elections in postwar Great Britain, focusing particular transformation Liberals from territorially concentrated to dispersed party 1970s. show that majoritarian biases increase number parties, systems harm small parties when their vote is more than average, large average. Moreover, evolving experiences Labour Conservatives how support, hence expected seat premium or penalty, changes electoral fortunes. This has wide variety applications multiparty democracies around world