Chapter Overview

This chapter introduces students to the functions served by elections--both the specifically democratic function of enabling the masses to participate in the selection of leaders and policies, and the universal function of mobilizing citizens to act out support of the regime. The latter function is explored in the Soviet Union and the United States. Electoral systems are also discussed and proportional representation (PR) and single-member district plurality (SMDP) systems are compared with regard to their direct and indirect effects. The chapter then briefly discusses referenda, introduces the "paradox of participation," and highlights the factors that affect the choices voters make at the polls. The chapter concludes with detailed examinations of elections in Nigeria and Israel.

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