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I've mostly studied USA elections and legislatures. So am ill-equipped to compare, contrast. But being very political, and having run for office and done some policy work, I can comment on our elections. Over simplistically: #1 - Our FPTP elections leads to two major parties. #2 - Our gerrymandered districts (local, state, congressional) has led to increased partisanship. As noted elsewhere, because contests are won during the low-turnout primaries where the motivated base participates. #3 - Ever increasing campaign costs has led to concentrated influence (power law distribution of attention). Who ever controls the contributions controls the agenda. #4 - We have city, district, county, state, federal elections. The party system starts at the bottom. Memories are long and defections are never forgiven (eg Nader & Green Party). Having now done it... Everyone should run for office, at least once. Because most commentary, complaining isn't even wrong. My goal, always, is to empower, enfranchise people. The various reforms I support increase voter choice and participation. At every level by various (sometimes non-intuitive) means. |