Which of the following can be the advantages of system of ‘proportional representation’ over the ‘first past the post’ electoral system? 1. Compared to first past the post system, Proportional representation can provide fairer and better representation to minority sections of the population. 2. There is a much higher chance of electing a stable government under Proportional representation compared to first past the post system. Select the correct answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

Q. Which of the following can be the advantages of system of ‘proportional representation’ over the ‘first past the post’ electoral system?
1. Compared to first past the post system, Proportional representation can provide fairer and better representation to minority sections of the population.
2. There is a much higher chance of electing a stable government under Proportional representation compared to first past the post system.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Exp) Option a is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: First past the post system or simple majority system does not secure due representation to small groups or minority section. On the other hand, under proportional representation almost all sections of people get due representation according to their population share.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Under the proportional representation electoral system there are high chances of the election of several parties with no one party having a majority in the legislature. This may result in unstable government

Important Tips
FPTP	Proportional Representation (PR system)
A candidate who gets one vote more than the other candidate in a constituency is a winner in First Past the Post (FPTP) system. It is also known as the simple majority system.	Proportional representation (PR) is a political system in which the number of seats won by a political party or group should be proportionate to the number of votes received, i.e., seats are assigned as per the number of votes received.
In FPTP, the division of the country is done into geographical units known as constituencies.	In the PR system, the large geographical areas are said to be known as constituencies.
First Past the Post is used in direct elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.	Proportional representation is used to elect the President of India, Vice President, members of the Rajya Sabha, etc
Votes are cast for candidates in FPTP.	Votes are cast for the party in PR system.

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS