proportional representation

American  

noun

1. a method of voting by which political parties are given legislative representation in proportion to their popular vote.

---

proportional representation British  

noun

1.  PR.  Compare: first-past-the-post.  representation of parties in an elective body in proportion to the votes they win

---

proportional representation Cultural  

1. An electoral system in which seats in a legislature are awarded to each party on the basis of its share of the popular vote. The United States does not use a system of proportional representation. Membership in the Senate and the House of Representatives, for example, is based on individual candidates' receiving a majority of votes. Such a system strongly encourages the formation of only two major political parties.

---

Discover More

Though proportional representation has been attempted in a few American cities, many American politicians argue that it tends to fragment the government, preventing quick and decisive action.

In Israel and some nations in Europe, a system of proportional representation guarantees that small parties will have official recognition in the government, thus leading to a multiparty government.

Etymology

Origin of proportional representation

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

There'd be a written constitution, a move to proportional representation and they'd scrap the rules that force MPs to vote for their party, the "whip".

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

She told BBC London Politics: "We've won 100% of the seats but we do still support proportional representation and we want to make sure that every vote counts."

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Courts and advocacy groups increasingly treated proportional representation as a requirement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In the proportional representation vote, RSP were leading with nearly half of the counted votes -- but final results could take several more days.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

“Stephen, I didn’t study how to save your ass in Waynesboro. I majored in political science. If your problem was to do with proportional representation in Switzerland, I might be able to help you.”

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson