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Duverger's law describes how the plurality rule (there can be only one winner) in elections usually results in a two party system, and the Hotelling-Downs model
by kokey 11y ago
Duverger's law describes how the plurality rule (there can be only one winner) in elections usually results in a two party system, and the Hotelling-Downs model explains the Median voter theorem which shows that these two parties will generally settle on the (centrist) outcome preferred by the median voter. Neither are obvious and intuitive so without this understanding it can look like democracy is broken. Surround yourself with people who are both uninformed and hold opinions far from the median voter and you'll be convinced it's not just broken, but manipulated.
- rayiner 11y agoI hadn't heard of the Hotelling-Downs model, but I was just thinking that the fact FPP leads to two parties doesn't mean the positions of the parties don't reflect the polity.
- arca_vorago 11y ago"Surround yourself with people who are both uninformed and hold opinions far from the median voter and you'll be convinced it's not just broken, but manipulated." Are you saying it's not broken and manipulated? I have an epic speech ready to prove you wrong if so.