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In the United States, almost all legislative elections are run on the "winner-take-all" system in which the person winning the most votes in a particular district is the only person elected to represent that district. Many democracies use what is called "proportional representation," in which several legislators are elected from each district and each party receives legislative seats in proportion to the percentage of the vote received. Advocates of proportional representation say that this is more fair since it allows more than the candidate or party who comes in first to have a share of legislative power. Consider what the advantages and disadvantages of such a system might be.
Resources:
Proportional
Representation Library
This is an exhaustive and well-documented set of web resources on proportional
representation compiled and maintained by Douglas J. Amy, Professor of
Politics at Mt. Holyoke College and author of Real Choices, New Voices:
The Case for Proportional Representation Elections in the United States
Proportional Representation
FAQ
Written by Edward LaBonte
Center for Voting and Democracy
The CVD is an organization dedicated to promoting proportional representation
and other electoral reforms
