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

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.

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

In Wales, they have high hopes the new proportional representation voting system will allow the party to gain a foothold in the Senedd.

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The election uses a system of proportional representation known as the Single Transferable Vote.

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Norway has a political system involving 19 electoral constituencies based on proportional representation and no party can govern on its own.

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In 1974, Sadr launched the Movement of the Deprived, a social and political organisation which called for proportional representation for the Shia and social and economic emancipation for the poor, regardless of their religion.

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The former system of proportional representation was replaced by something closer to the first-past-the-post system, as used in the UK.

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