A Worldwide Reformer: Proportional Representation through John Stuart Mill's correspondence (1859-‍1873)

Authors

  • Sebastián Cortesi Johns Hopkins University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rep.193.10

Abstract

Minority representation stands as a key topic in John Stuart Mill´s reflections regarding representative government. As a consequence, his place in the history of modern electoral systems is a topic of debate in recent scholarship. This article argues that Mill played an instrumental role in the development of proportional electoral systems the world over. In addition to providing cogent arguments, he undertook an international campaign that advocated the adoption of these new institutional arrangements. His personal correspondence as well as other primary sources are explored in depth in order to probe so.

Published

2021-09-29

Issue

Section

RESEARCH NOTES