| Name |
Single-Member District, Plurality
(SMDP) |
Proportional Representation (PR) |
| Strengths |
-
through the district, provides a link between representative and electorate
-
promotes electoral stability
|
-
ensures representation of minority views
-
accurately translates the full range of voter preferences into representation
|
| Weaknesses |
-
under-represents minorities
-
limits choices by promoting two-party politics
-
limits power of legislature vis-a-vis a nationally elected president
|
-
numerous parties can create need for coalition government and electoral
instability
-
lack of a link between representative and the electorate
|
| Remedial Actions |
-
move to multi-member districts
|
-
impose a floor for obtaining seats
|
-
create a hybrid system that entails: run-off elections (France) or a meld
of the two systems (Germany and Japan)
-
adopt a different means of allocating seats, such as the single-transferable
vote (Ireland)
|