Reflection on Political Party systems in Democracies around the world

The term ‘Party System’ is a particular pattern of inter-party interaction within a political party or collection of political parties. Political parties exist within both Democracies (democratic systems) and Autocracies (autocratic systems). The former, and more democratic, models include – The Two party system; Modern pluralism; Polarized pluralism and Automized pluralism. These democratic models are the subject of this article.

The political party models chosen here are usefully reflected in a regimes stability (and or fragility) i.e. the length of tenure in Power. One provides for a more 'inclusive approach' to governing, the other somewhat less inclusive.  Equally, one is considered to be a “broad-church” (a colloquial term coined in Australia), the other far more narrow in ideology.

Note: For the purpose of clarification, this summary looks at 'Relevant' parties i.e. those who typically form governments, in Australia within the House of Representatives, not minor/fringe parties and interest groups and their influence in other parts of the political process. Which is another discussion entirely.

Comparatively the democratic party systems' look as follows –

1.Two party system

• Examples include Australia, USA and the UK
• Two ‘relevant parties’ i.e. Labor and Libs/Nats (sometimes Greens)
• Parties rotate spells in power on a regular basis 
• A form of ideological convergence exists - somewhat similar policy positions on key issues i.e. narrow differences between the two parties

2.Predominant party system

• Similar to two party system, but with one party in Power on a regular basis.
• Examples include Japan (LDP) and India (Congress Party)
• A pre dominant party is entrenched in Power i.e. winning 3 elections or more in succession

3.Moderate pluralism 

• An example of this model is Germany
• 3 - 5 relevant parties in meaningful contest to form government
• Competing Coalition pairings
• But still narrow differences in political and ideological positons

3.Polarized Pluralism

• Italy for example
• Caters to extreme political views
• Around 5-8 relevant parties competing for ideas
• Usually short lived tenure - less stable governments

4.Automized 

• 8+ relevant parties
• Small party size and loose coalitions forms election by election
• Usually no single party has political power
• Vanuatu and Palau would be examples
• These Parties systems are less democratic

In summary, the political systems in place in Democracies really are hugely important and drive (or halt, whichever the case may be) successful economic and social development; participation in the political process; and ultimately, a country's overall development and standing in the global community.