Introduction: Studying Political Representation

Question 1

five key components political representation

Answer 1

some party that is representing (the representative, an organization, movement, state agency)

some party that is being represented (the constituents, the clients)

something that is being represented (opinions, perspectives, interests, discourses)

a setting within which the activity of representation is taking place (the political context)

something that is being left out (the opinions, interests, and perspectives not voiced)

Question 2

why does the concept of representation remain elusive / not really good

Answer 2

theories of representation often apply only to particular kinds of political actors within a particular context

democratic theorists often limit the types of representatives being discussed to only formal representatives (representatives who hold elected offices)

Question 3

delegate vs. trustee

Answer 3

delegate = representatives who follow the expressed preferences of their constituents

trustee = representatives who follow their own understanding of the best action to pursue (even if it diverges from the immediate preferences of their constituents)

Question 4

hannah pitkin on delegate vs. trustee

Answer 4

aim to preserve this paradox by recommending that citizens safeguard the autonomy of both the representative and of those being represented

the autonomy of the representative is preserved by allowing them to make decisions based on his or her understanding of the representer’s interests (the trustee conception of representation)

the autonomy of those being represented is preserved by having the preferences of the represented influence evaluations of representatives (the delegate conception of representation)

Question 5

pitkin: four views of representation

Answer 5

formalistic representation

symbolic representation

descriptive representation

substantive representation

Question 6

formalistic representation

Answer 6

focuses on the institutional arrangements that establish and initiate representation.

tt emphasizes the processes of authorization (how representatives gain their position) and accountability (how they are held responsible for their actions).

–> what are the institutional arrangements for authorization and accountability?

Question 7

symbolic representation

Answer 7

emphasizes the importance of the symbolic relationship between representatives and their constituents.

it focuses on how representatives embody the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the people they represent, even if they do not directly act on their preferences.

–> how does the representative stand for a group / nation as a symbol

Question 8

descriptive representation

Answer 8

highlights the importance of representatives reflecting the demographic characteristics of their constituents, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

the idea is that representatives who share similar backgrounds with their constituents may better understand and advocate for their interests.

–> do representatives resemble the characteristics of the represented?

Question 9

substantive representation

Answer 9

is concerned with the actual interests and policy preferences of constituents.

it assesses whether representatives effectively advocate for and advance the substantive interests of the groups they represent, regardless of their personal characteristics or symbolic gestures.

–> do representatives represent the policy preferences of the represented accurately

Question 10

what is representation?

Answer 10

act of delegation through which authority and legitimacy is
transferred by consent rather than direct presence

representation through parties mandated in elections

Question 11

chain of representation

Answer 11

citizens preferences > political parties > parliaments > government > policies

Question 12

on what did traditional theories of political representation focus?

Answer 12

on formal procedures within nation-states, particularly regarding authorization and accountability.

these models are increasingly seen as inadequate in light of contemporary political dynamics

Question 13

globalization and political representation

Answer 13

rise of international, transnational, and non-governmental actors has transformed the landscape of political representation.

these entities often play significant roles in shaping public policies and representing citizens’ interests, challenging the notion that representation is solely the domain of elected officials.

Question 14

three problems in political representation that warrant further investigation

Answer 14

1. institutional design of representative institutions
2. marginalization of democratic citizens
3. impact of changing political contexts

Question 15

three problems in political representation that warrant further investigation - design representative institutions

Answer 15

need to explore the optimal design of representative institutions within democratic politics

literature has suggested various models, such as proportional representation and citizen juries

as the number of democratic states increases, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different representative institutions becomes crucial, especially in the context of non-democratic and hybrid regimes that may adopt such institutions to maintain control over citizens.

Question 16

three problems in political representation that warrant further investigation - marginalization of democratic citizens

Answer 16

focus on how representative institutions can marginalize certain groups of citizens.

for instance, reforms aimed at increasing representation for historically disadvantaged groups may inadvertently reduce overall accountability and responsiveness of representatives, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such reforms.

Question 17

three problems in political representation that warrant further investigation - impact of changing political context

Answer 17

emphasizes the importance of examining how changing political realities affect the practice and understanding of representation.

as political contexts evolve, so too do the challenges and dynamics of representation, necessitating ongoing research to adapt theoretical frameworks to contemporary issues.