An argument for proportional representation -- 2012 House races modeled

[DC Al Fine]

I've always liked the system of proportional representation, but I'm unsure about it. It gives too much power to political parties, for one. I always feel that it might be better that all localities get some form of representation in congress. Mixed-member proportional representation, to me, sounds like the best possible model. Carries the benefits of both PR and FPTP.

Indeed.

Only thing I'll add is that the model becomes obsolete as soon as you go to a PR model because the 2 party system will break up to some degree.

[DC Al Fine]

I've always liked the system of proportional representation, but I'm unsure about it. It gives too much power to political parties, for one. I always feel that it might be better that all localities get some form of representation in congress. Mixed-member proportional representation, to me, sounds like the best possible model. Carries the benefits of both PR and FPTP.

Indeed.

Only thing I'll add is that the model becomes obsolete as soon as you go to a PR model because the 2 party system will break up to some degree.

I would not be so sure about that. Sure, minor parties can sneak a handful of representatives into the house this way, but to become a significant political force they would have to poll better than single digits. In my opinion, you also have to reform campaign finance laws before third parties have any staying power (as opposed to, say one of the major parties switching place with a minor party, but the two party system staying broadly intact).

I don't see 3rd parties becoming significant forces via current 3rd parties. It's much more likely that a group of socons or progressives gets fed up with a major party and splits. A group like that would have numbers, organization, and funding.