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Proportional Representation: IGCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

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Contents

  1. 1. What is Proportional Representation?
  2. 2. Proportional Representation Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What is Proportional Representation?


In IGCSE History, Proportional Representation (PR) is a voting system in which the number of seats a political party wins in an election is directly correlates to the number of votes it receives.

Unlike First-Past-the-Post systems, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, PR aims to ensure fairer representation by allocating seats based on the overall share of votes.

Pie chart showing votes: Party A 45%, Party B 35%, Party C 15%, Party D 5%. Legend lists votes and seats: 45, 35, 15, and 5 respectively.
A diagram representing the concept of Proportional Representation

PR was a key feature of the Weimar Republic’s electoral system (1919–1933), allowing multiple political parties to gain representation in the Reichstag. However, this often led to coalition governments and political instability, as no single party could easily achieve a majority, making coalition governments necessary. This allowed Hitler to manipulate the political system to become Chancellor in January 1933. 

PR is still used in many countries today as a way to create more representative democracies.

Proportional Representation Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

The Origins of the Weimar Republic, 1919 | Edexcel GCSE History Revision Notes 2024

How Hitler Became Chancellor, 1932-33 | Edexcel GCSE History Revision Notes 2024

Explore IGCSE History Revision Resources

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Author
Reviewer
Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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