Rev. 04 Feb 26
Government
We want a stable and effective government which acts in the interest of the people
Representative democracy
maintain constituency link
Wariness of full D’Hondt
but not supported by a small minrity
not parachute
not impose constraints (e.g. female only)
not absentee lives 200 miles away, rarely if ever seen; participate in local events, even have a surgery
not second jobs
Fairness
the basis of the demand for proportionality
but proportionality overides representation (cf German)
and proportionality has limited effect (if whipped then 45% v. 55% no more effective than 5% v. 95%)
excessive fairness can lead to shaky coalition and government by fudge
Majority rule
the essence
but not minority oppression
and occasional nannying
Opposition
government v. opposition
stolen policies
damned if you agree
seating: semi-circle or confrontational
reversal of previous government’s actions creates uncertainty and instability