AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Objectives of Election Rules
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 19 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the key difference between a plurality and a majority system for winning a presidential election?
A plurality system requires a candidate to win the most votes, while a majority system requires a candidate to win over 50% of the vote, often necessitating a runoff election.
Card 1 of 19
All Flashcards (19)
What is the key difference between a plurality and a majority system for winning a presidential election?
A plurality system requires a candidate to win the most votes, while a majority system requires a candidate to win over 50% of the vote, often necessitating a runoff election.
How is Russia's Federation Council populated?
Members are appointed by regional governors and the regional legislature, a process influenced by the president who approves governor candidates.
What factor can cause the timing of legislative elections to vary between political systems?
The timing of legislative elections often varies among different systems based on the specific term-limit policies established for that country.
What is the general function of electoral regulatory organizations?
These organizations are used by political systems to set various rules about ballot access for candidates and the terms of electoral competition.
What are the two contrasting purposes for which regimes use appointment systems for legislative bodies?
Some regimes use appointments to promote a diversity of viewpoints, while other regimes use them to advance the political agenda of the governing elites.
How is the president of Mexico elected?
Mexico’s president is elected by a plurality of the national popular vote, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, even without an absolute majority.
What is a single-member district (SMD) plurality system?
An electoral system where a country is divided into districts, each electing one representative who wins by receiving the most votes, not necessarily a majority.
What step have Mexico and Nigeria taken to improve their elections as part of their democratic transitions?
Both Mexico and Nigeria have created independent election commissions that attempt to reduce voter fraud and manipulation and enhance electoral competition.
What are the three main objectives that election rules can serve for a regime?
Election rules serve regime objectives regarding ballot access for candidates, the criteria for winning elections, and the accountability of representatives to their constituency.
What are the typical effects of a single-member district plurality system?
This system tends to promote a two-party system, provides voters with strong constituency service and accountability, and ensures geographic representation.
How do presidential candidates win elections in Iran and Russia?
Candidates in Iran and Russia must win an absolute majority of the popular vote, which may require a second-round runoff election between the top two candidates if no one wins a majority in the first round.
How are members appointed to the United Kingdom's House of Lords?
Appointments to the House of Lords are approved by the monarch based on recommendations from the prime minister and an independent commission.
How does Iran's Guardian Council influence electoral competition?
The Guardian Council vets and excludes candidates who do not support Islamic values, which limits the number of candidates and reduces electoral competition and representation.
What is the political benefit of using majoritarian election rules, as seen in Iran, Nigeria, and Russia?
Majoritarian rules, which require a majority or significant distributed support, provide the winning candidate with a strong national mandate.
How has the Russian president reasserted federal power over the regions through appointments?
The president can appoint presidential envoys to federal districts and approve a list of candidates from which regional legislatures appoint governors, strengthening central control.
How do changes in election rules impact societal groups?
Changes to election rules can directly affect the political representation of different religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups within a country.
What are two common outcomes of using a proportional representation system?
Proportional representation often results in an increase in the number of political parties in the legislature and a higher likelihood of electing minority and women candidates.
Describe the appointment process for Iran's Guardian Council.
Half of the Guardian Council members are selected by the Supreme Leader, while the other half are nominated by the judiciary and approved by the Majles (parliament).
What unique requirements must a presidential candidate in Nigeria meet to win?
A Nigerian presidential candidate must win the most votes nationally and also secure at least 25% of the vote in two-thirds of the states, reflecting the country's federalism.