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Proportional representation (view source)
Revision as of 15:35, February 20, 2009
, 15:35, February 20, 2009no edit summary
'''Proportional representation''' is when the delegates in a [[presidential primary]] are prorated based on the percentage of votes received. Usually there is a minimum threshold, which is usually 15%, that must be achieved to receive any delegates.
'''Proportional representation''' is when the delegates in a [[presidential primary]] are prorated based on the percentage of votes received. Usually there is a minimum threshold, which is usually 15%, that must be achieved to receive any delegates.
==As an Electoral System==
'''Proportional representation'' also refers to the [[electoral system]] whereby Parliamentary (or similar) seats are allocated to parties, based upon the percentage of the total vote each party garners in an election.
It has the advantage that the views of the electorate are more clearly expressed at the ballot box. For example, if under a "first-past-the-post" system a party wins 80 of 100 seats, by a small margin (say 51% to 49% per constituency), then they will hold 80% of the seats, despite garnering only 51% of the vote, leaving many voters feeling disenfranchised. Under proportional representation, they would still have won the election, but with broader representation from voters who did not support the winning party (in this case 51 seats to 49 seats).
The disadvantage of this is that there is less accountability between elected representatives and their constituencies. This is due to the fact that "election lists" are drawn up by the political parties themselves and there is no opportunity for unhappy voters to vote out non-performing representatives.<ref>http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/sou3.htm</ref>
Other advantages include the fact that fewer votes might be spoilt, as every vote counts and there are no "safe" constituencies and minority parties stand a greater chance of representation. However, it also demands a far greater level of voter knowledge and participation, which could discourage potential voters.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:United States Government]]
[[Category:United States Government]]
[[category:Political Terms]]