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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The bottom line: Voters would need to elect more than 700 more moms to hit proportional representation nationwide, and one more in California, per the report.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
To improve accountability, Brazilians should change the electoral system by making at least half of the seats in the legislature elected by majoritarian vote and by drastically reducing the size of the districts used for proportional representation.
—Eduardo Mello, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2018
Ireland uses a complex system of proportional representation in which each of the country’s 43 constituencies elects several lawmakers and voters rank candidates in order of preference.
—Jill Lawless and Peter Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional representation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
The bottom line: Voters would need to elect more than 700 more moms to hit proportional representation nationwide, and one more in California, per the report.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
To improve accountability, Brazilians should change the electoral system by making at least half of the seats in the legislature elected by majoritarian vote and by drastically reducing the size of the districts used for proportional representation.
—Eduardo Mello, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2018
Ireland uses a complex system of proportional representation in which each of the country’s 43 constituencies elects several lawmakers and voters rank candidates in order of preference.
—Jill Lawless and Peter Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional representation
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 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share