GV121-4-SP-CO:
Institutions of Democracy
2025/26
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
08 August 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module is an introduction to the study of (political) institutions. Whenever political actors interact, they do so within the context of certain rules (e.g., voting under a specific electoral system).
These “rules of the game”, as Douglass North has defined institutions, structure the incentives and behaviour of individual political and economic actors.
In this module, we will first learn about political and economic interactions in the absence of institutions, and then about how the addition of institutions changes political and economic outcomes. We will also explore the different effect of various institutions on political and economic behaviour and ultimately policy outcomes. Finally, we will learn why different institutions emerge and what leads rules to change.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of institutions.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to understand:
- The logic of collective action;
- The different political systems and institutions in different countries;
- The consequences of institutions;
- The emergence and change of institutions.
Students in this module will have opportunities to improve the following employability-related skills:
- Apply theory and evidence to support an argument.
- Identify puzzling features and phenomena in politics and society and develop original research questions that will help me make sense of the world.
- Critically reflect on my learning, identify gaps in my understanding.
- Engage other students in class discussions and share experiences of learning.
- Identify data and resources that can help me answer important questions about the world.
No additional information available.
This module will be taught over 2 hours per week
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Taylor, S.L.
et al. (2014f)
A different democracy: American government in a Thirty-One-Country perspective. New Haven: Yale University Press. Available at:
https://www.degruyter.com/isbn/9780300210705.
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Norris, P. (1997) 'Choosing Electoral Systems: Proportional, Majoritarian and Mixed Systems',
International Political Science Review, 18(3), pp. 297–312. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/019251297018003005.
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Kedar, O., Harsgor, L. and Sheinerman, R.A. (2016) 'Are Voters Equal under Proportional Representation?',
American Journal of Political Science, 60(3), pp. 676–691. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajps.12225.
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Kedar, O., Harsgor, L. and Tuttnauer, O. (2021) 'Permissibility of Electoral Systems: A New Look at an Old Question',
The Journal of Politics, 83(2), pp. 439–452. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1086/709835.
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Stokes, S.C. (1999) 'Political Parties and Democracy',
Annual Review of Political Science, 2(1), pp. 243–267. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.2.1.243.
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Golder, S.N. and Thomas, J.A. (2014) 'Portfolio Allocation and the Vote of No Confidence',
British Journal of Political Science, 44(1), pp. 29–39. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007123412000580.
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Thürk, M. (2022) 'Small in Size but Powerful in Parliament? The Legislative Performance of Minority Governments',
Legislative Studies Quarterly, 47(1), pp. 193–224. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1111/lsq.12329.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Online Test - Moodle |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Research Essay |
13/04/2026 |
60% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Lawrence Ezrow, email: ezrow@essex.ac.uk.
Professor Lawrence Ezrow
Module Supervisor: Professor Lawrence Ezrow, ezrow@essex.ac.uk / Student Administrator: govquery@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Elena Simona Davidescu
UNIVERSITY OF YORK
SENIOR LECTURER
Available via Moodle
Of 18 hours, 18 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Government
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