Proportionality
A key characteristic of Consociationalism applicable also as a minority protection tool. Proportionality constitutes a deviation from the rules of majoritarian democracy providing an instrument applicable in divided societies. Proportionality allows for different segments of the society to receive state funding or to fill administrative positions according to quotas. When applied as a minority protection tool, it aims to increase social and political stability by mutual protection of the interests of the national groups. Proportionality can be based on non-changeable ratios or it can be readjusted according to the results of censuses. Proportionality can appear in sharing positions within public administration and public force (for example South Tyrol in Italy, Brussels Region in Belgium), or financial resources (for example South Tyrol in Italy) according to the proportions of the national groups within the population.