Urdánoz Ganuza, Jorge2020-05-262021-06-1820190032-318710.1080/00323187.2019.1701949https://academica-e.unavarra.es/handle/2454/36979Mill scholars usually classify as 'proportional' the theory of political representation sustained by John Stuart Mill. However, Mill did not use the term 'proportional' in his texts, and 'proportional representation' as understood today has little to do with what Mill really proposed. A hypothesis is offered to explain the origin of the 'proportionalist' interpretation that was accepted at the beginning of the 20st century. It is concluded that specialists in Mill should not use the word 'proportional' when referring to his conception of political representation. In addition, political scientists should not quote Mill as the founder of proportional representation.28 p.application/pdfengProportional representationJohn Stuart MillPolitical participationElectoral systemsMajority governmentinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess