Explain the system of Proportional Representation with reference to the two schemes - Single Transferable Vote System and the List System.
Proportional representation is a type of electoral system that decides the make-up of a parliament by allocating seats on the basis of the number of votes each party received.
Single transferable vote system: The Single transferable vote (STV) is a system of preferential voting designed to minimize wasted votes and provide proportional representation while ensuring that votes are explicitly expressed for individual candidates rather than for party lists. It typically achieves this by using multi-seat constituencies (voting districts) and by transferring all votes that would otherwise be wasted to other eligible candidates.
STV initially allocates an elector's vote to his or her most preferred candidate and then, after candidates have been either elected or eliminated, transfers surplus or unused votes according to the voters' stated preferences.
List system: List System is another method of securing proportional representation. This method also operates in multiple-member constituencies. Different parties put up lists of as many candidates (each) as number of members to be elected. Thus, if seven persons are to be elected, each party will put up a list of seven candidates in the preference in which they would like to be elected. The voters vote of the quota (less than half being ignored, and more than half taken as one), that party will have its first three candidates in the list elected.
Make a comparative study of the composition and powers of the US Senate and the Indian Rajya Sabha.