Match the words in as many meaningful pairs as possible:

The old theory and the belief that the rule of the people, by the people, and for the people constitutes a natural right, or a divine right, form the background of the usual argument in favour of proportional representation.

For if the people rule through their representatives, and by majority votes, then it is essential that the numerical distribution of opinion among the representatives mirrors as closely as possible that which prevail among those who are the real source of legitimate power: the people themselves.

Whether the representative (of a constituency) stands alone, or whether he combines with some others to form a party, is left to him.

K. Popper's personal conviction is that a democracy, imperfect though it is, is worth fighting for and worth dying for. But he regarded it as wrong to try to persuade others of it.

A dictator, even if he were benevolent, would rob all the others of their responsibility, and thus of their human rights and duties.

The practical consequences of the proportional representation are devastating.

What kind of ideas traditionally supports the principle of proportional representation?

What is the first devastating consequence of proportional representation?

What is the election principle in a constitution which does not provide for proportional representation?

What is the duty of an elected representative in this case?

In what way can the fact of a representative being morally bound to his party, influence his or her actions?

What are the disadvantages of proportional representation?

The opponents of the Brazilian President failed in their attempt to remove him from office in a recall referendum. (The Economist, Sept., 2004)

The observers were concerned when they heard from both sides during the vote that their exit polls each showed them winning by 18 points. (The Economist, Sept., 2004).

The vote itself was secret and free, but the National Election Council's lack of openness, last-minute changes and internal divisions harmed public confidence in that vital institution both before and after vote. It will take a huge effort to restore trust in this fundamental democratic right before next month's election for governors and mayors. (The Economist, Sept., 2004).

The big demonstration was held in Iraq's capital, with at least 100, 000 people, demanding direct elections to a transitional national assembly. The United Nations agreed to send a team to Iraq to see if fair direct elections could be held in time to produce an assembly by the end of May. (The Economist, April, 2004).

Iran's president and his government threatened to resign unless the conservative Council of Guardians, the country's highest body, reconsidered its decision to ban about a third of candidates, all reformers, from standing in next month's general election. (The Economist, April, 2004).

One recent poll has given the ruling socialist party only 17 % support among voters - well behind the leading conservative opposition party and behind even a dangerously populist agrarian party. The bigger question is whether the ruling party might suffer a defeat so crushing as to finish it as a serious force, or at least to bring drastic changes, including the departure of the ex-communist generation from its leadership. (The Economist, April, 2004).

The task of drafting a constitution that gives the main say to the majority while protecting minorities within what is probably to become a federal system, may prove to be hard to accomplish. (The Economist, April, 2004).

Opinion polls had for months suggested that Mr Dean's political strategy - built on opposition to George Bush, to war in Iraq, and even to the democratic establishment - had made him the clear favourite for the Democratic presidential nomination. (The Economist, April, 2004).