---
title: "Plurality System — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A plurality system awards the seat to whoever gets the most votes, even without a majority. Key to Unit 4 comparisons of UK, Nigeria, and Mexico elections."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/plurality-system"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Plurality System — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A plurality system is an electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have obtained an absolute majority.

## Related Study Guides

- [Unit 4 Overview: Party, Electoral Systems, and Citizen Organizations](/ap-comp-gov/unit-4/review/study-guide/ZNhYZXKi72MPnmXCmSQx)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Single-Member District](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/single-member-district): In a single-member district, each geographic district elects only one representative to a legislative body.
- [Majority System](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/majority-system): In a majority system, candidates need to obtain more than 50% of votes to win. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, there may be a runoff election between the top two candidates.
- First-Past-The-Post (FPTP): First-past-the-post is another term for plurality systems where candidates with the most votes win, regardless of whether they have an absolute majority.