Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which theory of representation emphasizes elected officials mirroring the views of their constituents?
Which theory of representation emphasizes elected officials mirroring the views of their constituents?
- Majoritarian Theory
- Delegate Theory (correct)
- Pluralist Theory
- Trustee Theory
According to which theory should elected representatives exercise their own judgment on behalf of their constituents?
According to which theory should elected representatives exercise their own judgment on behalf of their constituents?
- Delegate Theory
- Elitist Theory
- Participatory Theory
- Trustee Theory (correct)
What makes representing constituents a challenge in large, diverse countries like the U.S.?
What makes representing constituents a challenge in large, diverse countries like the U.S.?
- Homogenous population with aligned political interests
- Regional differences in beliefs, priorities, and socio-economic factors (correct)
- Small geographic size allowing for easy communication between citizens and representatives
- Absence of varying political ideologies among citizens
Who observed the regional variations that pose governing challenges for nations like the United States?
Who observed the regional variations that pose governing challenges for nations like the United States?
Why are the challenges of representation more complex in contemporary U.S. than in Tocqueville's time?
Why are the challenges of representation more complex in contemporary U.S. than in Tocqueville's time?
Flashcards
Delegate Theory of Representation
Delegate Theory of Representation
The belief that elected representatives should actively mirror the views of their constituents.
Trustee Theory of Representation
Trustee Theory of Representation
The idea that elected representatives should use their own best judgment to make decisions for their constituents.
Balancing Delegate and Trustee Roles
Balancing Delegate and Trustee Roles
Most representatives strive to find a middle ground between reflecting constituents' views and using their own judgment.
Challenges of Diverse Constituencies
Challenges of Diverse Constituencies
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Alexis de Tocqueville's Observations
Alexis de Tocqueville's Observations
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Study Notes
Delegate Theory of Representation
- Anti-Federalists advocated for representatives acting as delegates, mirroring their constituents' views in Congress.
Trustee Theory of Representation
- Federalists proposed representatives acting as trustees, relying on their own judgment and gaining constituent trust regarding public policy.
Balancing Delegate and Trustee Roles
- Most representatives attempt to blend delegate and trustee approaches.
Challenges of Representing Diverse Constituencies
- America's size and diversity create difficulty for representatives to represent their constituents effectively and reconcile with legislators from disparate regions.
Alexis de Tocqueville's Observations
- In the 1830s, Alexis de Tocqueville identified regional variations in climate, economics, culture, and religion as hurdles to a unified US.
Increased Complexity of Representation
- Tocqueville's observations are magnified by the US's expansion across continents and its diverse population exceeding 300 million.
Continued Challenges for Representatives
- Members of Congress face an increasing challenge in representing constituents and finding common ground with colleagues.
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