Final answer:
A candidate who received 20 percent of the overall vote could not win an election under majority rule because they must secure more than 50 percent of the votes. In proportional representation, though, they could gain legislative seats proportionate to their vote percentage. Majority rule ensures the winning candidate represents more than just a plurality of voters.
Step-by-step explanation:
A candidate who received 20 percent of the overall vote could not secure an election victory under the majority rule system. The winning candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the total votes cast. If no candidate achieves this in an election, a run-off is often required to ensure a candidate attains a majority.
When considering proportional representation as an alternative, a party receiving 20 percent of the vote would gain proportional legislative seats. However, in a majority rule system which applies to presidential elections in the United States, a candidate needs a majority of the electoral votes to win, specifically more than half, or 270 out of 538. The concept of majority rule is meant to ensure that the elected candidate represents more than just a plurality of the electorate.
The 2000 presidential election showcased the significance of the majority rule in the Electoral College, where George W. Bush won with a narrow margin of 271 electoral votes. Moreover, states like Georgia require a majority for a candidate to win statewide office, turning to a run-off election if not achieved on the first ballot. This is designed to ensure the outcome reflects the majority's preference rather than the result of a divided vote among multiple candidates.