proportional representation
noun
a method of voting by which political parties are given legislative representation in proportion to their popular vote.
Origin of proportional representation
First recorded in 1865–70
Words nearby proportional representation
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British Dictionary definitions for proportional representation
proportional representation
noun
representation of parties in an elective body in proportion to the votes they win
Abbreviation: PR Compare: first-past-the-post
Cultural definitions for proportional representation
proportional representation
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 for proportional representation
notes for proportional representation
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.