What system elects one representative per district, and with a winner-take-all rule, tends to strengthen the two major parties and weaken minor parties?

What system elects one representative per district, and with a winner-take-all rule, tends to strengthen the two major parties and weaken minor parties?

• A. Proportional representation
• B. Cumulative voting
• C. Mixed-member system
• D. Single member district system

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how district structure shapes party competition. A single-member district system uses one representative per district and a winner-take-all outcome. Because only the top vote-getter in each district wins, votes for minor parties are unlikely to translate into seats, so voters and parties gravitate toward the two largest parties to maximize influence. Over many districts, this dynamic strengthens the two major parties and makes it hard for minor parties to gain representation. By contrast, proportional representation distributes seats roughly in line with vote shares, allowing minor parties to win seats even if they don’t win many districts; the other options involve voting rules that don’t mechanically favor a single-seat, winner-take-all setup.

The idea being tested is how district structure shapes party competition. A single-member district system uses one representative per district and a winner-take-all outcome. Because only the top vote-getter in each district wins, votes for minor parties are unlikely to translate into seats, so voters and parties gravitate toward the two largest parties to maximize influence. Over many districts, this dynamic strengthens the two major parties and makes it hard for minor parties to gain representation. By contrast, proportional representation distributes seats roughly in line with vote shares, allowing minor parties to win seats even if they don’t win many districts; the other options involve voting rules that don’t mechanically favor a single-seat, winner-take-all setup.