Political Representation Theories

REPRESENTATION

• Representation is a relationship where an individual or group acts on behalf of a larger group of people.
• A straightforward definition is to 'make present again' the voices, opinions, and perspectives of citizens.
• Political representation involves political actors speaking, advocating, symbolizing, and acting on behalf of others.
• This is a form of political assistance.

THEORIES/MODELS OF REPRESENTATION

• Trustee model/theory: Represents those acted on behalf of others with superior knowledge, education, or experience and is vested with formal/legal responsibilities.
• The essence of representation in this model, according to Edmund Burke, is serving constituents with “mature judgment” and “enlightened conscience.”
• It implies an elitist perspective, as it suggests representatives should make independent decisions, as the public does not always know its best interests.
• Delegate model/theory: Represents those as a conduit, conveying the views of others.
• Delegates have little to no capacity to exercise their own judgment or preferences, acting under clear guidance.
• Supports mechanisms for politicians to stay close to the public's views.
• This representation model is reflected through mechanisms such as frequent elections, short terms in office, initiatives and the right of recall.
• Mandate model/theory: Representation happens through winning an election.
• A mandate is an instruction/command from a higher body (which in this case is the party)
• The party, rather than individual politicians, is the agent of representation.
• Politicians are loyal to their party and its policies.
• The strength of this model is in considering the importance of party labels and symbols and helping to keep politicians to their word.
• Critics argue it's based on questionable voting behavior, as voters might not be rational or well-informed.
• Voters might be swayed by leaders' personalities, past allegiances, etc. not necessarily policy or issue stances.
• Resemblance model/theory: Representatives are selected based on their likeness to the group they represent.
• This model suggests that representatives should come from a particular group, have shared experiences, and understand the group's interests.
• This model aims for a proportional representation of all sections of society, (think social class, race, ethnicity, gender, age etc.) in elected bodies (microcosm/descriptive representation).
• This aims to counter exclusion of minority groups and increase their representation in decision-making bodies.

ELECTIONS

• Elections are a formal group decision-making process for choosing individuals and/or parties for public office.
• They are the usual mechanism of representative democracy since the 17th century (for various levels of government, and private and business organizations to elect leaders).
• Elections are intrinsically linked to, and at the heart of, the democratic process

RULES AND MECHANISMS OF ELECTORAL CONDUCT

• Which offices/posts use the elective principle?: Legislature and executive positions, while other offices such as judicial appointments are not usually subject to elections.
• Who is entitled to vote? Usually all adult citizens subject to certain conditions, and this right has been progressively broadened.
• How are votes cast?: Modern elections usually employ secret ballots to ensure fairness and prevent intimidation or corruption.
• Are elections competitive or non-competitive?: Elections should offer genuine choice of both parties and candidates, which means offering freedom for political parties to nominate candidates, and giving citizens a choice of those parties and candidates.
• How are elections conducted?: This depends on the specific electoral system a country uses.

FUNCTIONS OF ELECTIONS

• Recruiting politicians: Elections are a primary source for political recruitment, taking into account the procedures parties use to nominate candidates.
• Making governments: In some systems (e.g., the US) the political executive (President) is directly elected, while in parliamentary systems, elections influence government formation.
• Providing representation: Elections, when fair and competitive, channel the public's demands to the government, without which citizens would have no means of holding the government towards their declared political objectives.
• Influencing policy: Elections can steer governments away from pursuing radical or unpopular policies, especially when votes are deeply related to a specific policy or issue.
• Educating voters: The campaigns that form part of elections offer voters an abundance of information about candidates, policies, etc., and also, when conducted and structured fairly, promotes public engagement in electoral discourse, which in turn helps educate voters and promote a well-informed populace.
• Building legitimacy: Elections establish a system of rule by giving the electorate a ceremonial or important status, and encouraging participation in politics even if only voting.
• Strengthening elites: Elections can be a vehicle for elites to manipulate or control, but they can also act as a means of change, where political dissatisfaction can be expressed and responded to by voters removing officials via elections.