Release date is 2006-01-01

The House of commons as an expression of the national will -- The direct results of majority systems -- The indirect results of majority systems -- The representation of minorities -- The second ballot and the transferable vote in single-member constituencies -- Proportional representation -- The single transferable vote -- List systems of proportional representation -- A comparison of list systems with the single transferable vote -- Proportional representation and party government -- Objections to proportional representation -- The key to electoral and constitutional reform -- Appendices.

Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Debra Storr and PG Distributed Proofreaders

"Proportional Representation: A Study in Methods of Election" by John H. Humphreys is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century, specifically aiming to address electoral reform. The book discusses the various methods of election, particularly focusing on the concept of proportional representation, emphasizing the need for a more representative electoral system to reflect the will of the electorate accurately. The opening of the work features an introduction by Lord Courtney of Penwith, who highlights the rapid advancements in the concept of proportional representation across various countries. This section outlines the growing recognition of the need for electoral reform within Britain, pointing out that many political thinkers now accept that the existing electoral system has limitations that distort true public opinion. Humphreys comments on the political landscape of the time, illustrating the inadequacies of majority systems, the suppression of minority representation, and the overall necessity for a more equitable approach to elections. This foundation sets the stage for a detailed examination of the workings and advantages of proportional representation in the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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