---
title: "Single-Member District — AP Comp Gov Definition & Examples"
description: "A single-member district elects one representative per geographic district. Learn how SMDs shape party systems in the UK, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia for AP Comp Gov."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/single-member-district"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Single-Member District — AP Comp Gov Definition & Examples

## Definition

A single-member district is an electoral system in which each geographic district elects only one representative to a legislative body.

## Related Study Guides

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

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Plurality System](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/plurality-system): 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.
- [Majority System](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/majority-system): A majority system is an electoral system in which a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, a runoff election may be held between the top two candidates.
- [Proportional Representation](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/proportional-representation): Proportional representation is an electoral system that aims to allocate seats in proportion to the number of votes received by each political party or group.