Democratic Rights and Electoral Reform in Canada


Book Description

Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing.




A History of the Vote in Canada


Book Description

Cet ouvrage couvre la période qui va de 1758 à nos jours.




Aboriginal Peoples and Electoral Reform in Canada


Book Description

This volume features differing views of past, present, and possible future roles for Aboriginal people in the Canadian political and electoral system. The studies address the issues facing Aboriginal people and the efforts to increase their involvement in the federal electoral system. Robert Milen examines the development of Aboriginal political consciousness since the 1970s, with attention to recent constitutional and electoral initiatives and aspirations. Augie Fleras’ study considers the New Zealand system of guaranteed representation for the Maori and suggests how Canada might follow this example. Valerie Alia studies how the media deal with Aboriginal issues, basing her recommendations on interviews with Aboriginal people who offered her their views. Roger Gibbins critiques the idea of guaranteed Aboriginal representation in the House of Commons.




Voting Counts


Book Description

"Through the electoral process, citizens grant authority to their governments and to the laws governments enact. In recent years more and more Canadians have expressed their desire for improvements to our system of democratic governance, and to the mechanisms through which they can participate in government decision-making processes...This report aims to clarify the debates surrounding electoral reform: it reviews the arguments advanced to justify change, evaluates their relevance and cogency, and proposes a new model." -- p. vii.




The Politics of Electoral Reform


Book Description

Elections lie at the heart of democracy, and this book seeks to understand how the rules governing those elections are chosen. Drawing on both broad comparisons and detailed case studies, it focuses upon the electoral rules that govern what sorts of preferences voters can express and how votes translate into seats in a legislature. Through detailed examination of electoral reform politics in four countries (France, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand), Alan Renwick shows how major electoral system changes in established democracies occur through two contrasting types of reform process. Renwick rejects the simple view that electoral systems always straightforwardly reflect the interests of the politicians in power. Politicians' motivations are complex; politicians are sometimes unable to pursue reforms they want; occasionally, they are forced to accept reforms they oppose. The Politics of Electoral Reform shows how voters and reform activists can have real power over electoral reform.




Electoral Reforms


Book Description

Unlock the potential for change in the democratic process with "Electoral Reforms" by Manoj Agrawal, a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing electoral systems worldwide. Dive into the intricate world of electoral reforms as Manoj Agrawal navigates through the complexities of modern democracies, shedding light on the critical issues that shape the electoral landscape. From campaign finance to voter suppression, Agrawal delves into the key areas in need of reform, offering insightful analysis and pragmatic solutions. Explore the evolution of electoral systems across different countries and regions, examining the strengths and weaknesses of various models and the lessons learned from past experiences. Through meticulous research and data-driven insights, Agrawal provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the factors that influence electoral outcomes and the role of reforms in fostering transparency, fairness, and accountability. From the rise of digital democracy to the challenges posed by gerrymandering and electoral fraud, "Electoral Reforms" tackles the most pressing issues facing modern democracies with clarity and depth. Agrawal's compelling narrative invites readers to rethink their assumptions about the electoral process and consider innovative approaches to strengthening democratic institutions. With its engaging prose and thought-provoking analysis, this book is essential reading for policymakers, activists, and citizens alike who are committed to building a more inclusive and responsive democracy. Whether you're a seasoned political observer or a concerned citizen seeking to make a difference, "Electoral Reforms" offers valuable insights and actionable recommendations for creating a more just and equitable electoral system. Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation on electoral reforms. Pick up your copy of "Electoral Reforms" today and join the movement for a fairer and more transparent democracy.




The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Systems


Book Description

No subject is more central to the study of politics than elections. All across the globe, elections are a focal point for citizens, the media, and politicians long before--and sometimes long after--they occur. Electoral systems, the rules about how voters' preferences are translated into election results, profoundly shape the results not only of individual elections but also of many other important political outcomes, including party systems, candidate selection, and policy choices. Electoral systems have been a hot topic in established democracies from the UK and Italy to New Zealand and Japan. Even in the United States, events like the 2016 presidential election and court decisions such as Citizens United have sparked advocates to promote change in the Electoral College, redistricting, and campaign-finance rules. Elections and electoral systems have also intensified as a field of academic study, with groundbreaking work over the past decade sharpening our understanding of how electoral systems fundamentally shape the connections among citizens, government, and policy. This volume provides an in-depth exploration of the origins and effects of electoral systems.




Directions in Australian Electoral Reform


Book Description

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.




Recasting German Federalism


Book Description

Understanding Germany's federal structure is crucial to understanding contemporary Germany. The federal system shaped the way German unification was carried out, it shapes the way in which policies are made, and it plays a role in determining the way in which Germany presents its priorities in the EU. The first part of the book analyzes the nature of pre-unification West German federalism and the unique challenge posed for the federal system by unification. Part 2 takes stock of key issues in the operation of post-unification federalism, including the policy process, the role of parties in federalism, conflicts of interest over financial allocations, and the impact of deepening European integration. The final part offers a series of critical perspectives which address the long-term legacies of unification and increasing pressures for reform.




Strengthening Canadian Democracy


Book Description

Reconsidering provincial and federal debates about democratic reform alternatives.