Definition

Noun: A voting or electoral system based on the principle of having only one member (such as a representative in a legislature) selected from each electoral district. This system is also commonly known as a single-member district system.

Usage

The term is used in political science to describe a foundational structure for elections. It contrasts with systems that elect multiple representatives from a single district. - The country adopted a uninominal system to ensure direct local representation. - Critics argue that a uninominal system can lead to a two-party dominance.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "first-past-the-post": This is a specific type of uninominal system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
  • The United Kingdom uses a first-past-the-post uninominal system for parliamentary elections.

Variants and Related Words

• Single-member district (SMD): A more common, descriptive term for an electoral district in a uninominal system.
• Plurality system: Often synonymous with the "first-past-the-post" method within a uninominal framework.
• Multi-member district: The antonymous concept, where a district elects more than one representative.

Synonyms

• Single-member district system
• Single-member constituency system
• First-past-the-post system (a common subtype)

Antonyms

• Proportional representation system
• Multi-member district system
• At-large election system

Noun

1. based on the principle of having only one member (as of a legislature) selected from each electoral district