6. Representation

Question 1

Explain the two kinds of representation

Answer 1

Policy responsiveness (Wlezien and Soroka, 2007):
1. Indirect - elections
2. Direct - policy-maker changing public policy based on public opinion - measuring: congruence between party position and public opinion

Public responsiveness
(Soroka, 2010):
public policy changes how people think thus changing the public opinion

Question 2

What is the thermostatic model? (Wlezien 1995)

Answer 2

Public opinion lies somewhere on a thermostat with one end representing “less policy demanded” and the other end depicting “more policy demanded”

Question 3

What are the 4 forms of representation? (Pitkin, 1967)

Answer 3

1. formalistic
2. descriptive
3. symbolic
4. substantive

Question 3

Explain formalistic representation

Answer 3

The institutional arrangements that precede and initiate representation. Formal
representation has two dimensions:
- Authorization: The means by which a representative obtains his or her standing, status, position or office.
- Accountability: The ability of constituents to punish their representative for failing to act in accordance with their wishes (e.g. voting an elected official out of office) or the responsiveness of the representative to the constituents.

Question 4

Explain symbolic representation

Answer 4

The ways that a representative “stands for” the represented — that is, the meaning that a representative has for those being represented.

Question 5

Explain descriptive representation

Answer 5

The extent to which a representative resembles those being represented.
Young (1986): criticizes the “relationship of identity”. Descriptive representation includes as much as it excludes

Question 5

Explain substantive representation

Answer 5

The activity of representatives—that is, the actions taken on behalf of, in the interest of, as an agent of, and as a substitute for the represented.

Question 6

Mainsbridge’ 4 forms of representation

Answer 6

• Promissory representation: representatives’ promisses during campaigns
• Anticipatory representation: representatives’ perceptions on what voters will reward in the next election
• Gyroscopic representation: representatives “look within” and act based on their own judgement
• Surrogate representation: those elected act to represent constituents outside of their own districts

Question 6

Trustee Model of representation

Answer 6

People elect representatives, who
have the duty of making significant decisions on their behalf. Making decisions for the greater
interest of the people, putting the national interest first.

Question 7

Delegate Model of representation

Answer 7

Representatives do not have the right to decide on their own volition. The people only elect the delegate to represent their constituencies in the parliament.