Political Parties and Electoral Systems

Presentation

Transmit insight into the evolution of political party theory and electoral systems. Provide fundamental analytical tools for understanding the organization and nature of political parties. Know the authors and the most significant theoretical approaches to political parties. Provide fundamental analytical tools for understanding the functioning of political parties in articulation with electoral systems and functioning within political systems.

Part of this Programme

Political Science and International Relations

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 6

Year | Type of course unit | Language

2 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT11-225

Recommended complementary curricular units

History of political ideas

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

Description of contents

Origin of Political Parties

What is a Political Party

Functions of Political Parties

Party Types

The party systems

The "Iron Law" of Political Parties

The alliances of the parties

The evolution of representative systems and voting rights

The various types of elections Scrutiny modes, electoral systems and their functioning

The electoral systems in various democracies

The Party system and the Portuguese electoral system

Objectives

Prepare students for an understanding of the genesis and functioning of contemporary political systems and the central role of political parties and electoral systems.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

Theoretical classes with the possibility of participation of representatives of some leaders of the main Portuguese political parties with parliamentary representation.

Continuous evaluation:

Attendance and active participation not less than 75% of classes - up to 20% of the grade to be awarded;

Written work (can be group) with oral presentation in class about Parties or Electoral Systems - up to 35% of the grade to be awarded;

Final test - 45% of the grade to be awarded.

Students who are unsuccessful in this type of assessment or do not wish to follow it will be subjected to examinations according to the general regulations.

References

• COELHO, M.(2014). Os partidos políticos e o recrutamento do pessoal dirigente em Portugal. O caso do PS e do PPD/PSD. Lisboa; Europress, 2014. ISBN 978-972-559-336-3.
• DUVERGER M. (1980) Os partidos políticos. 2.ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar editores (original publicado em 1955); MARQUES, F.P. (2016). Introdução ao estudo dos partidos políticos e dos sistemas eleitorais. Coimbra, Almedina 2016. ISBN 978 972 780 571 6. MICHELS, R. (2001). Para uma sociologia dos partidos políticos na democracia moderna. Lisboa: Antígona 2001. NOHLEN, D. (2004). Sistemas electorales y partidos politicos. México 2004 FCE. WEBER, M. (2000). A política como profissão. Lisboa 2000: Ed. Universidade Lusófona. SARTORI G. (2001). Partidos y sistemas de partidos. Madrid 2001: Ed. Alianza.
• [Preencher APELIDO], [Preencher Primeiros Nomes] - [Preencher Título]. [Preencher Edição. Local de publicação :Editor, Ano de publicação. Descrição física. Série. ISBN)

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