UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 28: Polity and Governance
Proportional representation is NOT necessary in a country where
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Proportional representation is needed where first-past-the-post lets a party win far more seats than its votes deserve, as in multi-party systems with minorities and small parties. In a two-party system, first-past-the-post gives a clear majority and the two parties between them carry nearly all the votes, so there is little to correct. Remember PR as a remedy for the distortions of first-past-the-post in multi-party settings.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Having no reserved constituencies does not remove the need to give minorities and small parties a fair share.
- (b) Right: with two main parties there is little distortion for PR to correct.
- (c) First-past-the-post is the system PR is usually proposed to correct.
- (d) A fusion of presidential and parliamentary forms says nothing about how fairly seats match votes.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.