How does proportional representation typically operate?

Proportional representation operates by ensuring that the number of seats a political party receives in a legislative body is directly related to the percentage of votes they secure in an election. This means that if a party gains a certain percentage of the overall vote, they will be allocated a similar percentage of seats in the legislature, allowing for a more equitable and representative outcome that reflects the electorate's preferences.

This system is designed to give smaller parties a better chance of gaining representation, as it counters the tendency of winner-takes-all systems to favor larger political entities. In contrast, options that describe majority-based systems or regional majority votes do not capture the essence of proportional representation, which is fundamentally about translating votes into seats in a way that reflects the diverse spectrum of voter support. Additionally, suggesting that it exclusively favors large political parties does not align with the principles of proportional representation, which aims for inclusivity among various political voices.