Elections, parties and voters

In this unit, you will explore the ways in which elections, parties and voters intersect to impact the operation of political systems.  You will begin this unit by examining the emergence of modern elections, the functions that they perform, and locate their broader contemporary political significance. You will also examine the broader forces leading to the rise of parties, paying particular attention to how they have come to dominate politics and governance in most modern states. Topics examined in this unit include party organization, ideology, voter behaviour, electoral rules and party system dynamics, and party campaigning strategies.