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Proportional representation characterize election systems where a party's share of the vote matches its share of the seats. If a party gets 30% of the vote, then it gets 30% of the seats. There are a number of pros and cons to such a system.
Pros:
1. Fairness. It just makes sense that parties should get what they deserve in a free and fair election in terms of the number of seats up for grabs.
2. Encourages the election of minor parties. Since parties only need a few votes to get at least some seats, there's a much greater possibility of winning at least some representation in an elected body.
3. Eliminates gerrymandering. Gerrymandering becomes a non-issue since the system by definition guarantees what gerrymandering is hell bent on denying.
Cons:
1. Results in the election of extremists. Small parties with an intense following can gain a foothold in the legislature, as happened with the Nazi party in Weimar Germany or, more recently with the Afd in Germany and Geert Wilders' party in the Netherlands.
2. Results in coalitions, which can cause instability. Again, Germany is another example where recent coalition negotiations failed to create a new government after elections. Italy, Israel, and Brazil are other classic examples of coalitions breaking down after formation resulting in frequent changes in leadership
3. Weakens the link between voters and their representatives. Larger districts that would be required dilutes the influence of an individual voter over their representative.
In conclusion, whether or not you think proportional representation is a good idea probably depends on whether or not you think minor and third parties should be included in a legislature. I look forward to healthy debate about this subject.
Pros:
1. Fairness. It just makes sense that parties should get what they deserve in a free and fair election in terms of the number of seats up for grabs.
2. Encourages the election of minor parties. Since parties only need a few votes to get at least some seats, there's a much greater possibility of winning at least some representation in an elected body.
3. Eliminates gerrymandering. Gerrymandering becomes a non-issue since the system by definition guarantees what gerrymandering is hell bent on denying.
Cons:
1. Results in the election of extremists. Small parties with an intense following can gain a foothold in the legislature, as happened with the Nazi party in Weimar Germany or, more recently with the Afd in Germany and Geert Wilders' party in the Netherlands.
2. Results in coalitions, which can cause instability. Again, Germany is another example where recent coalition negotiations failed to create a new government after elections. Italy, Israel, and Brazil are other classic examples of coalitions breaking down after formation resulting in frequent changes in leadership
3. Weakens the link between voters and their representatives. Larger districts that would be required dilutes the influence of an individual voter over their representative.
In conclusion, whether or not you think proportional representation is a good idea probably depends on whether or not you think minor and third parties should be included in a legislature. I look forward to healthy debate about this subject.