Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2005--Darmstadt.

The aim of the thesis Applications of The Theory of Second-Order Elections to Elections in the Czech Republic is to answer the research question, whether is the theory fulfilled in the Czech Republic, through various hypotheses. The introduction introduces the intention of my research. The theoretical part deals with the original Theory of Second-order elections, which was introduced already in 1980 by authors Karlheinz Reif and Hermann Schmitt. During the next electoral cycles, the Theory of Second-order elections was more refined and reflected by other theoreticians, whose contribution is a source of inspiration for my theoretical part. Another major chapter presents the methodology and research design. This chapter defines hypotheses. The Thesis is trying to prove, or disprove the following hypotheses. Electoral participation in the case of Second-order elections is lower than in the case of the First-order elections. The Second-order elections tend to punish ruling parties. Political parties that currently govern, gets in case of Second-order elections less votes. Governmental parties lose the most electoral support in the middle of their term and it turns out the influence of the electoral cycle. Small political subjects have a greater chance of success during the Second-order elections than...