Introduction: Studying Political Representation Flashcards
five key components - political representation
some party that is representing
some party that is being represented
something that is being represented
a setting within the activity of representation is taking place
something that is being left out
delegates
= representatives who follow the expressed preferences of their constituents
so representatives enact the will of citizens in a parliament
trustee
= representative that follows their own understanding of the best action to pursue, even if it diverges from the immediate preferences of their constituents
so representatives are authorized to follow their own judgement and to deliberate
Pitkin - four views of representation
formalistic representation
symbolic representation
descriptive representation
substantive representation
–> four views are not necessarily unified and can sometimes conflict with one another
formalistic representation
about the institutions that enable representation
what are the institutional arrangements for authorization and accountability
substantive representation
making policy that is in line with what people that voted for them want
do representatives represent the policy preferences of the represented accurately?
descriptive representation
the representative resembles the electorate
do representatives resemble the gender, ethnic, demographic, or socio-economic characteristics of the represented?
symbolic representation
feeling represented in a symbolic way (like a king)
how does the representative stand for a group/nation as a symbol?
chain of representation
citizens’ preferences –> political parties –> parliaments –> governments –> policies
clientelism
politicians give people very direct reasons to vote for them.
example = if you vote for me, i will build this
what is democracy
a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state
what is representation
act of delegation through which authority and legitimacy is transferred by consent rather than direct presence
representations through parties mandated in elections
quality of representation is not always given
are all citizens equally well represented
are citizens with lower incomes represented just as well as richer ones
what about the access of immigrants to political office
does the underrepresentation of women matter for political substance
indirect / non-electoral forms of representation
protests and activists can be important as forms of representation
representation in other arenas
representation can also occur through other channels –> farmer protests / trade unions
