Beneficial for policy makers, politicians, election administrators, and students, this text explains why certain countries select different electoral systems and how each country has modified inherited systems. Described are the electoral systems of more than 200 independent states and related territories as well as the factors to consider when modifying or designing any electoral system. The proven advantages of various electoral systems to specific cultural, social, and economic conditions are examined, and the ways electoral systems can increase participation, reach out to minorities, and help instill faith in a skeptical electorate are described. Case studies are included on India, Russia, South Africa, Finland, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Papua New Guinea, and more.