UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Proportional representation seeks to do what in elections?

1. Allocate seats based on total vote share

2. Limit the number of political parties

3. Guarantee a majority for one party

4. Encourage voter apathy

The correct answer is: Allocate seats based on total vote share

Proportional representation is a system intended to ensure that the number of seats allocated to a political party in a legislature is reflective of the total share of votes that party receives in an election. This method directly addresses the discrepancies often found in winner-takes-all electoral systems, where a party can win a significant proportion of votes but receive fewer seats than warranted. In a proportional representation system, if a party receives, say, 30% of the total vote, it will receive approximately 30% of the seats in the legislature. This approach promotes a more equitable representation of diverse political views and preferences among the electorate, allowing for a broader spectrum of parties to be represented in government, which is particularly important in societies with varied political beliefs. The other options are not aligned with the core function of proportional representation. Limiting the number of political parties runs counter to the idea of fostering representation from a wide array of political perspectives. Guaranteeing a majority for one party goes against the principle of proportionality, which inherently supports coalition-building among multiple parties. Lastly, rather than encouraging voter apathy, proportional representation often aims to engage voters by ensuring their votes contribute to legislative outcomes, thereby increasing the perceived value of each individual's vote.