The comparison of electoral systems' functions with a special focus on mixed systems

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Eric Linhart
• Subject Area: Political Science ; Empirical Social Research
• Term: from 2012 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 226254591

Both PR and plurality/majority systems have positive as well as negative effects. Since the 1980s, a discussion has come up if mixed electoral systems could combine advantages of both types. However, the hitherto existing contributions to this question are insufficient. It is the projects aim to deal with this question. By now, there is no generally accepted definition of mixed electoral systems. Some authors even deny the existence of such systems. Thus, the first step is doing basic groundwork in this field. Further, there is a lack of indicators for the measurement of electoral systems functions. This is especially true for advantages of plurality systems. Third, former studies often lack to search for what exactly causes effects of certain electoral systems. After having finished the first and second problem, which are basic for dealing with the main question, systematic studies shall identify factors which are crucial for positive or negative effects of (mixed) electoral systems. Therefore, a combination of small and large n is proposed. A case study focuses on the German personalisierte Verhältniswahl that is often described as a positive example for mixed electoral systems. From this case study, we can learn what exactly causes the positive effects and under which conditions this is the case. The large n part refers to a broad international comparison of mixed electoral systems in order to identify variables of mixed electoral systems design which are statistically relevant for positive or negative effects.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants