7.4 Party System Institutionalization and Volatility
3 min read•july 30, 2024
Party systems in Latin America vary widely in stability and rootedness. Some countries have consistent parties and elections, while others face frequent upheavals. This impacts how well democracy functions and how effectively governments can operate.
High volatility in voting patterns can make it hard for parties to develop consistent support and policies. This can lead to unpredictable governance and weaker representation. However, the relationship between party stability and democratic outcomes is complex and context-dependent.
Party System Institutionalization in Latin America
Defining and Measuring Party System Institutionalization
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Top images from around the web for Defining and Measuring Party System Institutionalization
Political Parties: What are they and how do they function? | United States Government View original
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Party system map (2014) by Saint-Tepes on DeviantArt View original
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The Shape of Modern Political Parties | American Government View original
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Political Parties: What are they and how do they function? | United States Government View original
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Party system map (2014) by Saint-Tepes on DeviantArt View original
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- refers to the stability, regularity, and rootedness of political parties and party competition within a political system over time
- (1995) propose four dimensions to measure party system institutionalization:
- Parties with stable roots in society
- and structures
Electoral Volatility as an Indicator of Party System Stability
- measures the change in vote shares or seat shares of political parties from one election to the next, indicating the stability or instability of voter preferences and party competition
- is commonly used to calculate electoral volatility by summing the absolute value of change in each party's vote share between two consecutive elections and dividing by two
- Latin American party systems have exhibited varying levels of institutionalization and volatility across countries and over time
- Some countries experiencing more stable party systems (Chile, Uruguay)
- Others have faced frequent upheavals and high volatility (Peru, Venezuela)
Causes and Consequences of Party System Instability
Institutional and Societal Factors Influencing Party System Stability
- Institutional factors, such as the type of electoral system, can influence party system stability
- tend to foster multiparty competition and higher volatility compared to
- The nature of and social divisions within a society can shape party system stability
- Deep-rooted, stable cleavages (class, religion) are more conducive to stable party systems than fluid or weakly structured cleavages
- Economic performance and with incumbent parties can affect electoral volatility
- , scandals, or poor governance can lead to voter disillusionment and shifting party preferences
- The emergence of new political actors, such as or social movements, can disrupt established party systems and increase volatility, particularly in contexts of weak party roots and low institutional barriers to entry
Implications of High Electoral Volatility for Democratic Representation and Governance
- High electoral volatility can hinder the ability of parties to develop stable bases of support, implement coherent policies, and engage in long-term planning, potentially undermining the quality of democratic representation and governance
- Frequent changes in the party system can also lead to policy instability, as incoming governments may reverse or abandon the policies of their predecessors, creating uncertainty for citizens and economic actors
Implications of Institutionalization for Democracy
Institutionalized Party Systems and Democratic Consolidation
- Institutionalized party systems are often seen as beneficial for democratic consolidation, as they provide stability, predictability, and channels for political participation and representation
- Stable party systems can help structure political competition, facilitate the formation of governments, and provide a basis for accountability and responsiveness to citizen demands
- Weakly institutionalized party systems, characterized by high volatility and personalistic politics, can undermine the quality of democracy by fostering uncertainty, populism, and the erosion of checks and balances
Party System Institutionalization and Governance Effectiveness
- The stability of party systems can affect the capacity of governments to implement policies and reforms, as institutionalized parties are more likely to have the discipline and cohesion necessary for effective governance
- In Latin America, countries with more institutionalized party systems (Chile, Uruguay) have generally experienced greater democratic stability and governance effectiveness compared to those with weakly institutionalized systems (Peru, Ecuador)
- However, the relationship between party system institutionalization and democratic outcomes is complex and context-dependent, as other factors such as the quality of institutions, the nature of political leadership, and the distribution of power also play important roles
- Efforts to strengthen party system institutionalization in Latin America, such as reforms to electoral rules, party financing, and internal party democracy, can contribute to enhancing democratic consolidation and governance, but their success depends on the broader political and social context
Key Terms to Review (25)
2000 Mexican elections: The 2000 Mexican elections marked a significant turning point in Mexico's political landscape, as they were the first elections in over 70 years where a candidate from the opposition party won the presidency, ending the Institutional Revolutionary Party's (PRI) long-standing dominance. This event signified a shift towards greater democratization and reflected changes in the party system, highlighting issues of institutionalization and volatility within Mexican politics.
Chilean Transition to Democracy: The Chilean Transition to Democracy refers to the process that took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, marking the end of Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship and the restoration of democratic governance in Chile. This transition involved a national plebiscite in 1988, where Chileans voted against extending Pinochet's rule, leading to free elections in 1989 that established a new democratic government. It highlights the broader trends of democratization across Latin America during this period and reflects the complex dynamics of party system institutionalization and volatility.
Clientelism: Clientelism is a political system where goods, services, or benefits are provided to individuals or groups in exchange for political support. This system often fosters dependency between patrons (usually politicians) and clients (voters or constituents), leading to a personalistic form of politics rather than a programmatic one.
Economic crises: Economic crises refer to significant disruptions in the economy that lead to a decline in economic activity, often characterized by high unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and financial instability. These crises can create an environment of uncertainty and volatility, impacting political institutions and party systems as parties struggle to respond to changing public sentiments and economic conditions.
Electoral Alignment: Electoral alignment refers to the stable relationship between voters and political parties, where certain demographic groups consistently support particular parties over time. This alignment is significant in understanding how party systems develop and maintain stability, influencing both party system institutionalization and electoral volatility.
Electoral volatility: Electoral volatility refers to the degree of variation in electoral outcomes from one election to another, often reflecting changes in voter preferences and party support. This concept highlights how unstable or dynamic party systems can be, where significant shifts in votes occur across different elections, impacting the overall political landscape, party representation, and coalition-building efforts.
FARC: FARC, or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group that was founded in 1964. It has played a significant role in Colombia's internal conflict, promoting revolutionary ideals while engaging in armed struggle against the Colombian government. The group's actions and eventual peace negotiations have been pivotal in understanding both the democratization processes in Latin America and the volatility of political party systems within Colombia.
Government turnover: Government turnover refers to the process in which a government or ruling party is replaced by another, often through elections or political change. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding party system institutionalization and volatility, as it can indicate the level of political stability or instability within a country.
Legitimacy of parties and elections: The legitimacy of parties and elections refers to the accepted belief that political parties and electoral processes are rightful, fair, and just. This concept is crucial in fostering political stability and public trust, as it shapes how citizens perceive their government and its ability to represent their interests effectively.
Mainwaring and Scully: Mainwaring and Scully are scholars known for their work on party system institutionalization, focusing on how political parties in Latin America develop stability over time. They emphasize that institutionalization is essential for the effectiveness of democracy, highlighting the impact of party volatility on political stability and governance in the region. Their framework helps in understanding how different political parties adapt or fail to adapt to changes in the political landscape.
Majoritarian systems: Majoritarian systems are electoral systems that aim to ensure that the winning candidate or party receives a majority of votes, often defined as more than 50%. These systems tend to produce a clear winner, which can lead to stable governments but may also marginalize minority parties and interests. In this context, majoritarian systems influence how parties are represented and how coalitions are formed, as they often encourage a two-party system where larger parties dominate the political landscape.
Multi-party system: A multi-party system is a political system in which multiple political parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition. This type of system encourages diverse representation and allows for a variety of ideological perspectives, which can lead to more inclusive governance. The presence of several parties often reflects a broader ideological spectrum and impacts the stability and institutionalization of the party system.
Outsider candidates: Outsider candidates are political figures who run for office without traditional ties to established political parties or the political elite, often positioning themselves as alternatives to the status quo. These candidates typically appeal to voters seeking change and disillusioned with conventional party politics, capitalizing on public frustrations regarding corruption, ineffectiveness, or a lack of representation in the political system.
Parties as agents of change: Parties as agents of change refer to the role political parties play in transforming societal norms, policies, and governance structures within a political system. These parties act as vehicles for social movements, mobilizing support for new ideas and agendas while reflecting the shifting preferences of the electorate. By advocating for change, they can help reshape political landscapes, particularly in contexts of institutionalization and volatility.
Partisanship vs. Independents: Partisanship refers to the strong support and loyalty individuals show toward a specific political party, often influencing their voting behavior and political beliefs. In contrast, independents are individuals who do not align with any particular political party, allowing them more flexibility in their political choices. Understanding the dynamics between partisanship and independents is crucial for analyzing how electoral outcomes can vary based on party system institutionalization and volatility.
Party organizations with stable rules: Party organizations with stable rules refer to political party structures that establish consistent norms and procedures for membership, decision-making, and candidate selection. These stable rules help to foster predictability and reliability within the party system, contributing to its institutionalization and reducing volatility in political competition.
Party system institutionalization: Party system institutionalization refers to the degree to which political parties are stable, established, and recognized within a political system. This concept emphasizes the importance of consistent party behavior, clear party identities, and the ability of parties to engage effectively in the political process. A well-institutionalized party system fosters greater political stability and promotes the development of democratic governance.
Pedersen's Index: Pedersen's Index is a mathematical formula used to measure electoral volatility in party systems, indicating the degree of change in voter support for political parties from one election to another. This index helps assess the stability or instability of party systems by quantifying the fluctuations in vote shares, which can reflect broader trends in political behavior and public sentiment over time.
Political cleavages: Political cleavages are divisions within society that influence political behavior and party alignment, typically based on factors like class, ethnicity, religion, or geography. These cleavages shape the way individuals identify with political parties and ideologies, ultimately affecting the stability and development of party systems.
Political crisis: A political crisis refers to a significant disruption in the political system that threatens the stability and legitimacy of government institutions and can lead to conflict or change in leadership. This type of crisis often arises from factors such as widespread public dissatisfaction, severe economic challenges, or political corruption, and can result in shifts in party systems or the emergence of new political movements.
PRI: The PRI, or Institutional Revolutionary Party, was a dominant political party in Mexico that held power for much of the 20th century. It is known for establishing a system of political stability and centralized control that characterized Mexican politics for decades. The party's influence shaped legislative structures and functions, created a unique party system, and eventually contributed to its own decline during political transitions in Mexico.
Proportional Representation Systems: Proportional representation systems are electoral frameworks where the distribution of seats in the legislature reflects the proportion of votes each party receives in an election. This approach contrasts with winner-takes-all systems, encouraging a broader range of political parties and providing smaller parties a fairer chance at representation.
Stability in interparty competition: Stability in interparty competition refers to the consistent and predictable patterns of political behavior among parties within a political system. This stability allows for a balance of power where parties maintain their relevance and influence over time, creating a more predictable political landscape. In this context, it often relates to the degree of institutionalization of party systems and the volatility of party support, influencing voter behavior and political outcomes.
Voter satisfaction: Voter satisfaction refers to the level of contentment and approval that voters feel toward their electoral choices, political parties, and the overall political system. This concept is closely linked to how well political parties meet the expectations and needs of their constituents, influencing both party system institutionalization and electoral volatility.
Voter turnout: Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election. High voter turnout is often seen as a sign of a healthy democracy, reflecting citizens' engagement and interest in the political process. It is influenced by various factors including electoral systems, political party dynamics, and social contexts, all of which can shape how citizens perceive their role and efficacy in democracy.