A Theory of Democratic

Politics
Pat Ray M Dagapioso, 2009
 6.4 The Fourth Hypothesis

Parliamentarism gives some means of discipline

to the eaderships of the political parties.
Gary Cox: W. Bagehot notices that the
legislators in the British parties were afraid of
voting against the executive, for they may lose
their places through the dissolution of the
Parliament.
 6.4 The Fourth Hypothesis

• Duverger: The British government often uses

the vote of confidence and the threat of
dissolution and a new election as a disciplinary
weapon within its own party.
• Shugart & Carey: Vote of no confidence is a
from of party discipline that is instituted in the
UK, New Zealand or Norway, and is far stonger
in presidentail system’s assembly.
 The Difference: Proportionalism v.
Parliamentarism
• Proportionalism: is discriminating, could be
used on a single legislator

• Parliamentarism: non-discriminating, used

only against the governing party’s
parliamentary group
6.6 Primaries, Referendums,
Initiatives

Primaries, Referendums and

Initiatives give additional power to
the ordinary voter.

Giving additional powers to the voter

entails the imnpediment of party
discipline.
 Primaries
• Primary elections – candidates for
politcal posts are nominated, deprive
party leadership of important power
and thereby impede party cohesion
and discipline.
 Referendums
• Referendums can sometimes be
used in the service of party
cohesion.
• Yet, it can potentially threat party
cohesion by instituting it for
decision making to resolve the issue
that divides the parties.
 Referrendum and Initiative
• Moberg: Referendums and Initiatives can
undermine the consolidation and cohesion
of a party if they are used without the
regard of the parties.
• Moberg believes that the party should be
allowed to handle as many issues possible
to ensure cohesion.
• If the parties are given up most of the
issues, and let the people decide most on
the issues, the party will disintegrate.
 The End!
Ajde!
Vamos!

Merry Christmas!