Proportional representation systems like those in Western Europe encourage the formation of smaller parties by enabling parties to:
A. win legislative seats even though they do not receive a majority of votes in elections.
B. receive campaign funds from government in proportion to their support in opinion polls.
C. win legislative seats by lottery for parties that have no chance of winning majority support.
D. share in patronage appointments which serve as an incentive to lure campaign workers
A. win legislative seats even though they do not receive a majority of votes in elections.
In proportional representation systems, parties are allocated legislative seats in proportion to the percentage of votes they receive in elections. This means that even smaller parties with a minority of votes can still win a representation in the legislative body. This encourages the formation of smaller parties because they have a chance to gain political power and influence, even if they don't have enough support to win a majority of votes.