This paper discusses the principle of
proportional representation in Germany. It begins by describing the two-ballot voting
system and the minimum requirements for parties to have seats in the Bundestag. Then, it describes the successes of these systems and how their specific attributes contribute to real democracy. It also addresses the problems of the German system, namely "excess mandates," formulaic biases towards larger parties, and a few other problems. It concludes by discussing the application and adaptation of the German electoral system in other parts of the world.