proportional representation

noun

: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular votes received

Examples of proportional representation in a Sentence

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The party would be inspired by resistance to Israel, but chiefly propelled by an agenda for political reforms in Lebanon that broaden its political power, including proportional representation and a lowering of the voting age. Mona Yacoubian, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2011 Germany’s proportional representation system means no single party is likely to secure enough votes to form a government on their own. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Dec. 2024 France adheres to a two-round vote rather than proportional representation, in which parliamentary seats are determined in proportion to people’s electoral choices. Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2024 Given the German system of proportional representation, the government tends to be formed in a coalition, usually headed by the CDU/CSU or the SPD. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proportional representation 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proportional representation was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near proportional representation

Cite this Entry

“Proportional representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional%20representation. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

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