Arguments in Favor of Proportional Representation It is recommended that Freedonia adopt a system of proportional representation, as proposed in the draft proportional constitutional proposal. While neither proposal is optimal, the proportional system seems better suited to Freedonia's current requirements. A suggested improvement in the draft will be considered at the end of this discussion.
In general, proportional representation based on national candidate lists, and plurality representation by districts, each has one factor that tends toward fragmentation and one factor that tends toward cohesion. The two systems are in fact mirror images in this respect.
Proportional representation tends toward fragmentation by producing a multiplicity of political parties. This is especially the case when the minimum vote percentage for representation in the parliament is set rather low. Such is the case in the proportional-representation model proposed for Freedonia, which sets the minimum at four percent. At this level, even rather small splinter groups will be able to gain parliamentary representation.
It may prove difficult for any one party to secure a governing majority. This will tend to force coalition governments, in which minor parties will put their support up for bid. The price of their support may be (for example) subsidization of parochial or even eccentric projects. A more serious concern is that extremist parties may be ab
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