Electoral systems are the methods used to conduct elections and determine how votes are translated into seats in a legislative body. They can vary widely, with some systems favoring larger political parties and others allowing for a more proportional representation of smaller parties. Common types include first-past-the-post, ranked choice, and proportional representation. These systems influence political outcomes and voter behavior. For example, in a first-past-the-post system, the candidate with the most votes wins, which can lead to a two-party system. In contrast, proportional representation aims to reflect the overall vote distribution more accurately, allowing for a diverse range of parties in government.