The System of proportional representation as an electoral mechanism ensures

The correct answer is D) representation of minorities. In proportional representation (PR), seats are allocated in rough proportion to the votes each party or group receives. So a party with a sizeable share of votes gets seats even if it is not the largest, and smaller communities and opinions get a voice in the legislature. The main PR forms are List PR, STV and the mixed (MMP) system.

Why the others are wrong:

• A) Majority rule: This is the logic of First Past the Post (plurality), where the candidate with the most votes wins. PR does not guarantee a majority for one party; it usually produces coalitions.
• B) Stability in government: This is the usual argument for FPTP, which tends to give a single-party majority, as in Westminster systems. PR often produces coalitions that can be fragile.
• C) Common political thinking: PR is designed to reflect diversity of opinion, not to create uniformity.

Mains angle: India uses FPTP for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, and STV (a form of PR) for Rajya Sabha, Legislative Council and Presidential elections. The debate on electoral reform, coalition politics and the representation of smaller parties all turns on this trade-off between proportionality and stability.

Trap: Many aspirants link PR with stability or majority, because they associate it with the Westminster model. PR is about proportionality, not decisive majorities.