Proportionate representation: Difference between revisions

The degree of [[Proportionate Representation]] for each region is defined by the difference between the percent of seats obtained and the percent of the population (not voters) in that region. In a similar manner to [[Proportional Representation]] there is no agreed upon metric for combining these differences. However, since most systems have [[Balanced representationRepresentation]] in that districts are defined by having equal population the exact calculation of [[Proportionate Representation]]. What is more common is the granularity of the [[Regional System]], or the number or seats per region. [[Single member]] systems have the maximum possible granularity of Proportionate Representation if the population is divided evenly by population.

In Canada, Proportionate Representation is defined and ensured in each of the constitutions. Specifically, it is ensured that the Provinces have Proportionate Representation of the provincial level in Section [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-2.html#h-6 52] and [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-16.html#h-56 42] of the constitution act of 1867 and 1982, respectively. These constitutions are the first known use of this term in this context. The concept was further codified in the [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/annualstatutes/2011_26/page-1.html Fair Representation Act] in 2011. In Canada, this means that a [[regional system]] is required at least on the Provincial level in Canada so that the number of seats for each province is proportionate to the number of citizens in each province. This puts a fair amount of constraint on what electoral reform is possible without a constitutional amendment <ref>https://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/sclr/vol76/iss1/18/</ref>. Proportionate Representation is defined such that Balanced Representation is directly implied. Recall [[Balanced Representation]] is that each member represents a similar number of citizens. It is not guaranteed by Partisan Systems or Proportional Representation.

In a partisan[[Partisan system]] several members of parliament are elected to represent parties and no region. In a [[Party List]] system [[Proportionate representation]] is at is worst because all regions have no representation. A [[Mixed-member Member Proportionalproportional]] system with half the members elected for regions and the other half for parties would represent the mid point between the optimal with a single member regional system and the worst with [[Party List]]. Additionally, such a systems would also have half the granularity of the [[Proportionate Representation]]