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

The rest will be nominated by parties based on the percentage of votes they get in what is known as proportional representation.

From BBC

The rest would be nominated by political parties based on the percentage of votes they get in what is known as proportional representation.

From BBC

However, two states — Maine and Nebraska — have a proportional representation electoral college.

From Los Angeles Times

An element of proportional representation was supposed to require minority parties to cooperate and share power.

From BBC

If his programme includes positive measures on immigration, the cost of living and – crucially for her – proportional representation, then, the party's leaders say they might give him a stay of execution.

From BBC