Electoral Systems Simulation
As part of the Social 30 curriculum, students are expected to understand different types of elections in democratic systems. This is particularly relevant for Social Studies 30-1. Due to the abstract nature of some of these systems for students who are mainly familiar with the Canadian system of government, simulation activities are some of the best ways for students to understand and evaluate the different systems.
Regarding democratic systems, there are a several different systems of election and variations thereof:
3. Proportional representation - This system awards seats based on the percentage of votes a party receives. This is generally due to block lists based on large regions (i.e. provinces), or nationally.
After explaining the variations in these systems to students, arrange mock elections in the classroom using different systems, and explore how each system impacts the results. Have students reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Regarding democratic systems, there are a several different systems of election and variations thereof:
- Majoritarian systems - The end goal of this type of system is for a Candidate to achieve at least 50 percent of the vote. This is accomplished in several different ways.
- Two party systems - This is what occurs in the United States, where two parties dominate the electoral process. This type of system ensures that a majority is almost always achieved in the election.
- Preferential Ballot - In this type of system, people rank their preference of Candidates from first to last. Vote counts proceed in 'rounds', where the candidates with the lowest vote totals are removed and their votes awarded to the next preference on the ballot. This continues until one Candidate revives the majority of the vote.
- Run-Off System - This system involves conducting an election with multiple candidates, but after the first ballot, if no candidate has revived a majority of votes, all other candidates but the top two are removed. Another election is held with the two remaining Candidates, after which one will have received a majority vote.
3. Proportional representation - This system awards seats based on the percentage of votes a party receives. This is generally due to block lists based on large regions (i.e. provinces), or nationally.
After explaining the variations in these systems to students, arrange mock elections in the classroom using different systems, and explore how each system impacts the results. Have students reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of each system.