proportional representation

American  

noun

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

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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

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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.

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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

The old constituencies and regions are being replaced with 16 new constituencies that will each elect six members using a system of proportional representation.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

It had secured comfortably more than half of votes so far counted in the proportional representation vote, which determines a further 110 seats via party lists.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

The process to select regional MSPs uses a type of proportional representation.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

However, no one from the community has held public office since 2008, when Sunil Babu Pant, an openly gay man, became a lawmaker, nominated under the proportional representation system.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 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