Impact of Winner-Takes-All Electoral Systems

In the context of United States elections, different electoral systems can lead to varying outcomes in terms of representation and party dynamics. One commonly used system is the winner-takes-all approach, which is employed in many states for the allocation of Electoral College votes in presidential elections. This system contrasts with proportional representation systems that aim to allocate seats in a legislature based on the percentage of votes each party receives.

Consider the implications of these electoral systems: Which of the following statements best describes a significant effect of a winner-takes-all electoral system?