Electoral Systems: A Comparative Introduction [Hardcover]

David M. Farrell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 033380161X | ISBN-13: 978-0333801611 | Publication Date: February 10, 2001

Electoral Systems examines the six principal types of electoral systems currently in use in more than 50 of the world's democracies: single member plurality, alternative vote, two-round systems, list, single transferable vote, and the currently fashionable "mixed" systems. A common format is adopted throughout, dealing with explanations of how the system operates and its effects on the political system. The book concludes with three chapters assessing the (systemic and strategic) consequences of electoral systems, the factors behind selecting certain electoral systems over others, and the question of whether there is a "trade-off" between the proportionality and stability.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'David Farrell concisely describes - and dramatically illustrates with sample ballot papers - the variety of electoral systems across the world. His book will be an eye-opener for those unaware of the implications of alternative methods of voting. Students everywhere will learn much - about their own as well as other systems - from reading this book.' - Kenneth Janda, Northwestern University 'This excellent book provides clear and comprehensive description, analysis and assessment of different electoral systems...[T]horough...admirably clear and well exemplified...Farrell's skilful work of synthesis is the best available text on electoral systems.' - Adrian Blau, Political Studies Review '[V]ery useful, and readable...very timely...and gives a very good introduction to the topic.' - Talking Politics 'By far the best book on the subject.' - Reuven Hazan, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem

About the Author

David M. Farrell holds a Jean Monnet Chair in European Politics at the University of Manchester.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 257 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (February 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 033380161X
• ISBN-13: 978-0333801611
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,933,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best on the subject, August 23, 2003

By 

Bruce R. Gilson (Wheaton, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Electoral Systems: A Comparative Introduction (Paperback)

I recently received this book and read it quite thoroughly. I was very much impressed. Most books on the subject are extremely expensive or unobtainable. And when I saw the book I was surprised by its slimness. But Farrell manages to cover the topic with surprising completeness, describing all the most important systems, giving illustrations of ballots, explanations of the counting procedure in complex systems, and generally doing a complete job.

While I have also recently read Douglas Amy's "Real Choices, New Voices," and was favorably impressed by the explanations in Amy's book, Amy's goal was to sell one particular class of voting system: proportional representation. Therefore Amy minimizes the disadvantages of PR and emphasizes its advantages. While Farrell has his favorite system (and it is one of Amy's preferred systems, as well as one I like), he only mentions it near the very end; Farrell's book is much more impartial and leaves it to the reader to evaluate the various electoral systems, an approach that I prefer.

I very much recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview, August 14, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Electoral Systems: A Comparative Introduction (Paperback)

This is the best recent overview of comparative election systems accessible to a general readership. It contains information and comparisons that are very hard to come by elsewhere in the political science literature.

It's a good "first stop" for anyone needing an analytical overview of the election systems of the democratic world.

5.0 out of 5 stars It is a great book, November 6, 2011

By 

Christopher G Howard (athens, GA, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Electoral Systems: A Comparative Introduction (Paperback)

Used this for a comparative legislative process class, it has helped me with a number of classes after because the information is so clear and detailed.