ABSTRACT
National parliaments are the centerpieces of democratic governance in Europe, responsible for many important political tasks and often the only branch of government elected by voters. The nature of a country's electoral system can have a profound effect on its overall political structure, and the study of the design and consequences of electoral systems is a major topic in comparative politics. Thus, in addition to debating and approving proposals drafted by governments, European parliaments are also expected to pass legislation required by the European Union. Insofar as elected representatives of the people make laws, it is this lawmaking authority that, ultimately, makes European states democratic. Proportional representation in various forms is far more common in Europe. Only two European countries—Great Britain and France—use plurality voting, although, thanks to British influence, it is used elsewhere, such as the US, Canada, India, and Australia.
