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

In Holyrood's proportional representation system, the regional list ballot is a far bigger deal for the Greens - and that requires broad messages that can land nation-wide.

From BBC

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

From BBC

They will elect members to the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lower house, with 165 via a direct vote and 110 through proportional representation.

From Barron's

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

The 2026 Welsh Senedd election will make history with an increased 96-seat Parliament, 16 new constituencies each returning six members, a system of proportional representation and the potential for real political jeopardy.

From BBC