A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected persons representing a group of people, as opposed to direct democracy. Representative democracy places power in the hands of representatives who are elected by the people.
What is representation system?
The term Representation System refers to the set of rules by which votes are translated into offices, seats, or representation, including plurality, majority, proportional, mixed, and preferential systems. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does representation system work?
In practice, Representation System applies the electoral rule described by the term: the set of rules by which votes are translated into offices, seats, or representation. Officials use the specified votes, seats, quotas, districts, or thresholds to determine representation. The result can change when the formula or legal allocation rule changes, so the adopted method must be identified.
How can representation system affect representation?
In practice, Representation System applies the electoral rule described by the term: the set of rules by which votes are translated into offices, seats, or representation. Officials use the specified votes, seats, quotas, districts, or thresholds to determine representation. The result can change when the formula or legal allocation rule changes, so the adopted method must be identified.
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A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected persons representing a group of people, as opposed to direct democracy. Representative democracy places power in the hands of representatives who are elected by the people.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Representation System. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/representation-system
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