expression

proportional representation

seats allocated in proportion to votes received

In more detail

1. (noun) an electoral system in which the number of seats a political party wins in parliament is directly related to the percentage of votes it receives from voters

2. (noun) a system or arrangement in which different groups or things are represented in amounts that match their actual size or importance

Examples

1. Many European countries use proportional representation, so smaller parties can win seats in parliament.
2. The committee aims for proportional representation of different age groups in its membership.

How to use proportional representation

Proportional representation is a technical term used primarily in political science and electoral reform discussions. It describes an electoral system where seat distribution mirrors vote share, contrasting with majority-rule systems. The term is also used more broadly to refer to any arrangement where representation matches actual demographic or numerical proportions.

Common phrases

proportional representation system
adopt proportional representation
introduce proportional representation
advocates of proportional representation
move to proportional representation

Synonyms

proportionate representation · PR · party list system · representation by population

Opposites

first-past-the-post · winner-take-all

Word family

proportional · proportion · proportionately

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse proportional representation with a single specific voting method, when it actually refers to a family of electoral systems (list systems, mixed systems, etc.) that share the principle of proportionality.

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