Representation, elections and voting - Elections - Electoral systems: debates and controversies

5 important questions on Representation, elections and voting - Elections - Electoral systems: debates and controversies

What is the difference between majoritarian and proportional systems?

In majoritarian systems, the winner of elections get the majority of the seats (not necessary to have the majority of votes). In proportional systems, the percentages of votes is the percentage of seats

What is the difference between a majoritarian system and a proportional system?

In a majoritarian system larger parties win a higher proportion of seats than the proportion of votes they gain in the election.  This increases the chances of a single party gaining a parliamentary majority. Clear governmental mandate.
A proportional system guarantees an equal relationship between the seats won by the party and the votes gained in an election. Good representation of voter preferences.

What is plurality and proportionality?

Plurality: The largest number out of a collection of numbers, not necessarily an absolute marjority (50 % or more of all the numbers combined)

Proportionality : The degree to which the allocation of seats amongst parties reflects the distribution of the popular vote
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What is the downside of a majoritarian system?

It does not reflect the distribution of popular preferences + it strains the legitimacy of the entire political system.

What is the downside of a proportional system?

A coalition is more likely. Often more weak and unstable.

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