Understanding Proportional Representation and the German Electoral System

What is the primary characteristic of proportional representation?

• Individuals run for seats in the legislature.

• Parties run for seats, not individuals.

• Only independent candidates can participate.

• Seats are allocated randomly.

What is a common criticism of proportional representation?

• Voters do not have personal representatives.

• It is too expensive to implement.

• It favors larger parties.

• It leads to too many political parties.

How does the German electoral system address the issue of personal representation?

• By eliminating party votes altogether.

• By combining party votes with individual district votes.

• By having a separate election for personal representatives.

• By allowing only party votes.

In the German system, what happens if a party wins no seats at the local level?

• They merge with larger parties.

• They must wait for the next election.

• They receive seats based on national party votes.

• They are excluded from the parliament.

What percentage of the German parliament is elected based on district votes?

• 25%

• 50%

• 100%

• 75%

Which party is mentioned as typically receiving about 10% of the vote in Germany?

• The Liberal Party

• The Green Party

• The Christian Democrats

• The Socialist Party

What is the name of the German parliament?

• Landtag

• Bundesrat

• Reichstag

• Bundestag

What is the main advantage of the German electoral system according to the transcript?

• It provides both personal and proportional representation.

• It only allows for two major parties.

• It is simpler than other systems.

• It eliminates smaller parties.

Which region is mentioned as having adopted the German electoral system?

• North America

• Western Europe

• South America

• Eastern Europe

What is the ideal outcome of the German electoral system as described?

• Balanced personal and proportional representation.

• Complete elimination of party votes.

• Equal representation for all parties regardless of votes.

• Dominance of one major party.