Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-5g6vh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-26T03:47:43.649Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Between Science and Engineering: Reflections on the APSA Presidential Task Force on Political Science, Electoral Rules, and Democratic Governance

Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2013

Mala Htun
Affiliation:
University of New Mexico
G. Bingham Powell
Affiliation:
University of Rochester

Abstract

Political scientists have contributed to the world of electoral systems as scientists and as engineers. Taking stock of recent scientific research, we show that context modifies the effects of electoral rules on political outcomes in specific and systematic ways. We explore how electoral rules shape the inclusion of women and minorities, the depth and nature of political competition, and patterns of redistribution and regulation, and we consider institutional innovations that could promote political equality. Finally, we describe the diverse ways that political scientists produce an impact on the world by sharing and applying their knowledge of the consequences of electoral rules and global trends in reform.

Type
Symposium: Between Science and Engineering
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 2013 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Atkeson, Lonna Rae, Bryant, Lisa Ann, Hall, Thad E., Saudners, Kyle, and Alvarez, Michael. 2010. “A new barrier to participation: Heterogeneous application of voter identification policies.” Electoral Studies 29(1): 6673.Google Scholar
Birch, Sarah. 2011. Electoral Malpractice. New York: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Drometer, Marcus, and Rincke, Johannes. 2009. “The impact of ballot access restrictions on electoral competition: evidence from a natural experiment.” Public Choice 138(3): 461474.Google Scholar
Key, V.O. 1949. Southern Politics in State and Nation. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press.Google Scholar
Keyssar, Alexander. 2000. The Right to Vote. New York: Basic Books.Google Scholar
Lehoucq, Fabrice. 2003. “Electoral Fraud: Causes, Types, Consequences.” Annual Review of Political Science 6: 233–56.Google Scholar
Norris, Pippa. 2013. “The Concept of Electoral Integrity.” Symposium. Revised 13 May 2013. Available at: https://sites.google.com/site/electoralintegrityproject4/publications-1/links-to-other-publications/working-papers-list.Google Scholar