The Australian Electoral System

The Australian Electoral System

Author: David M. Farrell

Publisher: UNSW Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 9780868408583

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Australian Electoral System provides the first-ever comprehensive study of the design of Australian electoral systems. It focuses on the two electoral systems, both 'preferential', that are most closely associated with Australia: namely the alternative vote and the single transferable vote. The book covers four main themes. First, it traces the origins of Australia's electoral systems, explaining how and why Australia ended up with such a relatively unique arrangement. Second, it explores the range of variation in the detail of how the various schemes operate - variations which can have significant behavioural and electoral consequences. Third, it uses aggregate and survey data to systematically analyse the consequences of electoral system design. Fourth, it examines voter reaction to these systems, both in Australia and also cross-nationally.


Book Synopsis The Australian Electoral System by : David M. Farrell

Download or read book The Australian Electoral System written by David M. Farrell and published by UNSW Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Australian Electoral System provides the first-ever comprehensive study of the design of Australian electoral systems. It focuses on the two electoral systems, both 'preferential', that are most closely associated with Australia: namely the alternative vote and the single transferable vote. The book covers four main themes. First, it traces the origins of Australia's electoral systems, explaining how and why Australia ended up with such a relatively unique arrangement. Second, it explores the range of variation in the detail of how the various schemes operate - variations which can have significant behavioural and electoral consequences. Third, it uses aggregate and survey data to systematically analyse the consequences of electoral system design. Fourth, it examines voter reaction to these systems, both in Australia and also cross-nationally.


Elections

Elections

Author: Marian Sawer

Publisher: Federation Press

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9781862873957

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Australia was the first nation to invent itself through the ballot box and has become a country renowned for democratic innovations, from the secret ballot to adult suffrage and Saturday elections. Many of these reforms are now benchmarks of democracy. Yet the equity of Australia's electoral process continues to be challenged. Does Australia have full, free and fair elections? The authors of this informative, entertaining volume tell of political forces and personalities which have shaped Australia's electoral system. They describe how Australia became a pacesetter, why it experimented so much and whether the experiments have worked. They go on to consider what could and should be done, and the major modern challenges. Are party politics and pre-selections a corrupting influence? What is the impact of a mobile and scattered population? How widespread are the 'rorts'? Could we have a 'Florida' down under? Elections - Full, Free and Fair is an edited volume on Australian electoral history and innovations, providing a broad commentary on continuing democratic challenges. This well-researched book on democracy and electoral justice covers topics of perennial importance. The project was supported by the ANU, the Australian Electoral Commission, Old Parliament House and the Parliamentary Education Office.


Book Synopsis Elections by : Marian Sawer

Download or read book Elections written by Marian Sawer and published by Federation Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Australia was the first nation to invent itself through the ballot box and has become a country renowned for democratic innovations, from the secret ballot to adult suffrage and Saturday elections. Many of these reforms are now benchmarks of democracy. Yet the equity of Australia's electoral process continues to be challenged. Does Australia have full, free and fair elections? The authors of this informative, entertaining volume tell of political forces and personalities which have shaped Australia's electoral system. They describe how Australia became a pacesetter, why it experimented so much and whether the experiments have worked. They go on to consider what could and should be done, and the major modern challenges. Are party politics and pre-selections a corrupting influence? What is the impact of a mobile and scattered population? How widespread are the 'rorts'? Could we have a 'Florida' down under? Elections - Full, Free and Fair is an edited volume on Australian electoral history and innovations, providing a broad commentary on continuing democratic challenges. This well-researched book on democracy and electoral justice covers topics of perennial importance. The project was supported by the ANU, the Australian Electoral Commission, Old Parliament House and the Parliamentary Education Office.


A Century of Compulsory Voting in Australia

A Century of Compulsory Voting in Australia

Author: Matteo Bonotti

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-03-13

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 9813340258

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Compulsory voting has operated in Australia for a century, and remains the best known and arguably the most successful example of the practice globally. By probing that experience from several disciplinary perspectives, this book offers a fresh, up-to-date insight into the development and distinctive functioning of compulsory voting in Australia. By juxtaposing the Australian experience with that of other representative democracies in Europe and North America, the volume also offers a much needed comparative dimension to compulsory voting in Australia. A unifying theme running through this study is the relationship between compulsory voting and democratic well-being. Can we learn anything from Australia’s experience of the practice that is instructive for the development of institutional bulwarks in an era when democratic politics is under pressure globally? Or is Australia’s case sui generis – best understood in the final analysis as an intriguing outlier?


Book Synopsis A Century of Compulsory Voting in Australia by : Matteo Bonotti

Download or read book A Century of Compulsory Voting in Australia written by Matteo Bonotti and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-03-13 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Compulsory voting has operated in Australia for a century, and remains the best known and arguably the most successful example of the practice globally. By probing that experience from several disciplinary perspectives, this book offers a fresh, up-to-date insight into the development and distinctive functioning of compulsory voting in Australia. By juxtaposing the Australian experience with that of other representative democracies in Europe and North America, the volume also offers a much needed comparative dimension to compulsory voting in Australia. A unifying theme running through this study is the relationship between compulsory voting and democratic well-being. Can we learn anything from Australia’s experience of the practice that is instructive for the development of institutional bulwarks in an era when democratic politics is under pressure globally? Or is Australia’s case sui generis – best understood in the final analysis as an intriguing outlier?


Directions in Australian Electoral Reform

Directions in Australian Electoral Reform

Author: Norm Kelly

Publisher: ANU E Press

Published: 2012-05-01

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1921862882

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Australia has a proud history of being an international leader in electoral administration, and Australian electoral commissions continue to have a professional, non-partisan approach to the management of elections. Yet their independence is constrained by the electoral laws they need to administer, and parliamentary committees charged with the oversight of the conduct of elections do so with a clear partisan bias. Elections are all about winners, but who decides who the winners will be? Voters definitely have a big say, but it is the electoral system that determines how votes translate into seats in parliament. Any changes to the electoral system require the support of those in power, and it is important to question who benefits from electoral reforms. It is not surprising that partisanship plays a role and that governing parties usually benefit, although that is not always the case. This book assesses Australian electoral reforms of the past 30 years using personal interview data and parliamentary debates, to provide a picture of the reform process as well as the outcomes. These issues, such as who gets to vote, the use of postal voting, party registration and vote weighting, have a profound impact on who wins elections. The book also examines Australia's electoral administration, testing for professionalism, independence and integrity.


Book Synopsis Directions in Australian Electoral Reform by : Norm Kelly

Download or read book Directions in Australian Electoral Reform written by Norm Kelly and published by ANU E Press. This book was released on 2012-05-01 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Australia has a proud history of being an international leader in electoral administration, and Australian electoral commissions continue to have a professional, non-partisan approach to the management of elections. Yet their independence is constrained by the electoral laws they need to administer, and parliamentary committees charged with the oversight of the conduct of elections do so with a clear partisan bias. Elections are all about winners, but who decides who the winners will be? Voters definitely have a big say, but it is the electoral system that determines how votes translate into seats in parliament. Any changes to the electoral system require the support of those in power, and it is important to question who benefits from electoral reforms. It is not surprising that partisanship plays a role and that governing parties usually benefit, although that is not always the case. This book assesses Australian electoral reforms of the past 30 years using personal interview data and parliamentary debates, to provide a picture of the reform process as well as the outcomes. These issues, such as who gets to vote, the use of postal voting, party registration and vote weighting, have a profound impact on who wins elections. The book also examines Australia's electoral administration, testing for professionalism, independence and integrity.


Elections in Australia, Ireland, and Malta Under the Single Transferable Vote

Elections in Australia, Ireland, and Malta Under the Single Transferable Vote

Author: Shaun Bowler

Publisher: University of Michigan Press

Published: 2000-09-05

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 9780472111596

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

DIVProvides the first systematic cross-national look at the operation of the Single Transferable Vote electoral system /div


Book Synopsis Elections in Australia, Ireland, and Malta Under the Single Transferable Vote by : Shaun Bowler

Download or read book Elections in Australia, Ireland, and Malta Under the Single Transferable Vote written by Shaun Bowler and published by University of Michigan Press. This book was released on 2000-09-05 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: DIVProvides the first systematic cross-national look at the operation of the Single Transferable Vote electoral system /div


Electoral systems in Australia and Germany - a comparative study

Electoral systems in Australia and Germany - a comparative study

Author: Anke Bartl

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2003-10-08

Total Pages: 14

ISBN-13: 3638222004

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Essay from the year 2003 in the subject Politics - Region: Australia, New Zealand, grade: Distinction, Flinders University (Social Sciences), course: Australian Politcs a comparative study, language: English, abstract: This essay aims to explain the differences between preferential and proportional systems of voting and the consequences of these systems in Australia. The electoral system of Germany is examined in comparison. Why are electoral systems so important? Through elections, citizens of a county can express their views and choose the government they wish to see in power. Therefore, the electoral system is one of the significant features of a democracy and a representative government. The political outcome of an election can vary greatly depending on which of the different types (and/or variations of each type) of systems is in effect. Hence, the organisation of the political system strongly depends on the electoral system.1 The impacts of electoral systems on the political and party system will be examined after looking at the two systems of voting used in Australia at the Commonwealth/ Federal level: the preferential voting system and the system of proportional representation. Preferential voting in single-member seats is used for elections for the House of Representatives and is also often referred to as Alternative Vote.2 A distinctive feature of this voting system is that the winning candidate needs to receive an absolute majority of the primary vote, in other words 50% plus one. Alternatively, the candidate can win the election by securing an absolute majority after the distribution of preferences. 3 Under a system of full preferential voting, electors must indicate a preference for all candidates listed on the ballot paper. Voters show their first preference by giving the number “1” to their preferred candidate. They then rank all other candidates by distributing the remaining numbers in descending order from 2 to X (X = the number of candidates taking part in the election). In the first round of counting votes, the numbers of primary votes are registered. [...] 1 David W. Lovell et al., The Australian Political System, (2nd edition), Longman, South Melbourne, 1998, p. 269. 2 Ben Reilly, ‘The Alternative Vote in Australia’, 6 March 1999, Electoral Systems, Administration and Cost of Elections Project, , consulted 2 June 2003


Book Synopsis Electoral systems in Australia and Germany - a comparative study by : Anke Bartl

Download or read book Electoral systems in Australia and Germany - a comparative study written by Anke Bartl and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2003-10-08 with total page 14 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Essay from the year 2003 in the subject Politics - Region: Australia, New Zealand, grade: Distinction, Flinders University (Social Sciences), course: Australian Politcs a comparative study, language: English, abstract: This essay aims to explain the differences between preferential and proportional systems of voting and the consequences of these systems in Australia. The electoral system of Germany is examined in comparison. Why are electoral systems so important? Through elections, citizens of a county can express their views and choose the government they wish to see in power. Therefore, the electoral system is one of the significant features of a democracy and a representative government. The political outcome of an election can vary greatly depending on which of the different types (and/or variations of each type) of systems is in effect. Hence, the organisation of the political system strongly depends on the electoral system.1 The impacts of electoral systems on the political and party system will be examined after looking at the two systems of voting used in Australia at the Commonwealth/ Federal level: the preferential voting system and the system of proportional representation. Preferential voting in single-member seats is used for elections for the House of Representatives and is also often referred to as Alternative Vote.2 A distinctive feature of this voting system is that the winning candidate needs to receive an absolute majority of the primary vote, in other words 50% plus one. Alternatively, the candidate can win the election by securing an absolute majority after the distribution of preferences. 3 Under a system of full preferential voting, electors must indicate a preference for all candidates listed on the ballot paper. Voters show their first preference by giving the number “1” to their preferred candidate. They then rank all other candidates by distributing the remaining numbers in descending order from 2 to X (X = the number of candidates taking part in the election). In the first round of counting votes, the numbers of primary votes are registered. [...] 1 David W. Lovell et al., The Australian Political System, (2nd edition), Longman, South Melbourne, 1998, p. 269. 2 Ben Reilly, ‘The Alternative Vote in Australia’, 6 March 1999, Electoral Systems, Administration and Cost of Elections Project, , consulted 2 June 2003


From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage

From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage

Author: Judith Brett

Publisher: Text Publishing

Published: 2019-03-05

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 1925626814

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It’s compulsory to vote in Australia. We are one of a handful of countries in the world that enforce this rule at election time, and the only English-speaking country that makes its citizens vote. Not only that, we embrace it. We celebrate compulsory voting with barbeques and cake stalls at polling stations, and election parties that spill over into Sunday morning. But how did this come to be: when and why was voting in Australia made compulsory? How has this affected our politics? And how else is the way we vote different from other democracies? Lively and inspiring, From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage is a landmark account of the character of Australian democracy by the celebrated historian Judith Brett, the prize-winning biographer of Alfred Deakin.


Book Synopsis From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage by : Judith Brett

Download or read book From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage written by Judith Brett and published by Text Publishing. This book was released on 2019-03-05 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It’s compulsory to vote in Australia. We are one of a handful of countries in the world that enforce this rule at election time, and the only English-speaking country that makes its citizens vote. Not only that, we embrace it. We celebrate compulsory voting with barbeques and cake stalls at polling stations, and election parties that spill over into Sunday morning. But how did this come to be: when and why was voting in Australia made compulsory? How has this affected our politics? And how else is the way we vote different from other democracies? Lively and inspiring, From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage is a landmark account of the character of Australian democracy by the celebrated historian Judith Brett, the prize-winning biographer of Alfred Deakin.


Limiting Democracy

Limiting Democracy

Author: Colin A. Hughes

Publisher: UNSW Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13: 9780868409481

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Recently introduced legislation and other proposal from government ministers threaten Australians' right to vote. Brian Costar and Colin A. Hughes argue that rather than watering down democratic rights we need to strengthen the key features of our electoral system.


Book Synopsis Limiting Democracy by : Colin A. Hughes

Download or read book Limiting Democracy written by Colin A. Hughes and published by UNSW Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recently introduced legislation and other proposal from government ministers threaten Australians' right to vote. Brian Costar and Colin A. Hughes argue that rather than watering down democratic rights we need to strengthen the key features of our electoral system.


Compulsory Voting

Compulsory Voting

Author: Lindsay Smith

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Compulsory Voting by : Lindsay Smith

Download or read book Compulsory Voting written by Lindsay Smith and published by . This book was released on 1980 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Harvest of American Racism

The Harvest of American Racism

Author: Robert Shellow

Publisher: University of Michigan Press

Published: 2018-07-24

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 9780472124022

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the summer of 1967, in response to violent demonstrations that rocked 164 U.S. cities, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, a.k.a. the Kerner Commission, was formed. The Commission sought reasons for the disturbances, including the role that law enforcement played. Chief among its research projects was a study of 23 American cities, headed by social psychologist Robert Shellow. An early draft of the scientists’ analysis, titled “The Harvest of American Racism: The Political Meaning of Violence in the Summer of 1967,” provoked the Commission’s staff in November 1967 by uncovering political causes for the unrest; the team of researchers was fired, and the controversial report remained buried at the LBJ Presidential Library until now. ? The first publication of the Harvest report half a century later reveals that many of the issues it describes are still with us, including how cities might more effectively and humanely react to groups and communities in protest. In addition to the complete text of the suppressed Harvest report, the book includes an introduction by Robert Shellow that provides useful historical context; personal recollections from four of the report’s surviving social scientists, Robert Shellow, David Boesel, Gary T. Marx, and David O. Sears; and an appendix outlining the differences between the unpublished Harvest analysis and the well-known Kerner Commission Report that followed it. “The [Harvest of American Racism] report was rejected by Johnson administration functionaries as being far too radical—politically ‘unviable’... Social science can play an extremely positive role in fighting racial and other injustice and inequality, but only if it is matched with a powerful political will to implement the findings. That will has never come from within an American presidential administration—that will has only been forged in black and other radical communities’ movements for justice. The political power for change, as incremental as it has been, has come from within those communities. Washington responds, it does not lead." —from the Foreword by Michael C. Dawson


Book Synopsis The Harvest of American Racism by : Robert Shellow

Download or read book The Harvest of American Racism written by Robert Shellow and published by University of Michigan Press. This book was released on 2018-07-24 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the summer of 1967, in response to violent demonstrations that rocked 164 U.S. cities, the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, a.k.a. the Kerner Commission, was formed. The Commission sought reasons for the disturbances, including the role that law enforcement played. Chief among its research projects was a study of 23 American cities, headed by social psychologist Robert Shellow. An early draft of the scientists’ analysis, titled “The Harvest of American Racism: The Political Meaning of Violence in the Summer of 1967,” provoked the Commission’s staff in November 1967 by uncovering political causes for the unrest; the team of researchers was fired, and the controversial report remained buried at the LBJ Presidential Library until now. ? The first publication of the Harvest report half a century later reveals that many of the issues it describes are still with us, including how cities might more effectively and humanely react to groups and communities in protest. In addition to the complete text of the suppressed Harvest report, the book includes an introduction by Robert Shellow that provides useful historical context; personal recollections from four of the report’s surviving social scientists, Robert Shellow, David Boesel, Gary T. Marx, and David O. Sears; and an appendix outlining the differences between the unpublished Harvest analysis and the well-known Kerner Commission Report that followed it. “The [Harvest of American Racism] report was rejected by Johnson administration functionaries as being far too radical—politically ‘unviable’... Social science can play an extremely positive role in fighting racial and other injustice and inequality, but only if it is matched with a powerful political will to implement the findings. That will has never come from within an American presidential administration—that will has only been forged in black and other radical communities’ movements for justice. The political power for change, as incremental as it has been, has come from within those communities. Washington responds, it does not lead." —from the Foreword by Michael C. Dawson