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
Since the 1980s, the Democratic Party has mandated that states use some form of proportional representation to allocate delegates based on the results of the primaries and caucuses.
—
Caitlin Jewitt, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2024
The country’s electoral system, which relies on proportional representation, had in recent decades allowed the entry of ever more fringe and extreme political parties into the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
The delegates were distributed using a proportional representation system based on the results of the state’s presidential preference election in the spring, according to a guide from the state party.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 21 July 2024
For many electoral reform groups, the answer is simple: switch to a new system of proportional representation, in which seats are awarded based on a party’s vote share.
—Katie Marie Davies, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional representation 
Caitlin Jewitt, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2024
The country’s electoral system, which relies on proportional representation, had in recent decades allowed the entry of ever more fringe and extreme political parties into the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
—Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024
The delegates were distributed using a proportional representation system based on the results of the state’s presidential preference election in the spring, according to a guide from the state party.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 21 July 2024
For many electoral reform groups, the answer is simple: switch to a new system of proportional representation, in which seats are awarded based on a party’s vote share.
—Katie Marie Davies, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional representation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proportional representation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share