proportional representation

noun

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

proportional representation

noun

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

proportional representation

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.

Notes

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proportional representation¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

James Madison supported proportional representation, something that would have benefited his home state of Virginia and something that better reflected the will of those being represented.

From Washington Post

As Rodden told me, when you add more and more seats, you converge on proportional representation at some point because the districts just become so small.

From FiveThirtyEight

Israel possesses a vibrant, freely elected parliament emerging from a hyper-democratic proportional representation system.

From The Daily Beast

In 1909 the proportional representation system was adopted in the election of town councillors.

From Project Gutenberg

Among other matters he was a prominent advocate of proportional representation.

From Project Gutenberg

The plan of proportional representation in present vogue in the state of X—— should be abolished.

From Project Gutenberg

The Skupchtina, an assembly elected by proportional representation, has complete control of the national finances.

From Project Gutenberg

The rights of a minority are never recognized, as proportional representation has been rejected.

From Project Gutenberg