November 1, Slides 1-4 Flashcards
What are the two main ways representatives are connected to their constituents?
Formal representation is based on legal or institutional processes like elections or appointments. Descriptive representation happens when representatives share characteristics, experiences, or identities with their constituents, helping to reflect their lived realities.
How do representatives act as delegates for their constituents?
Delegates act as a direct voice for their constituents, following their preferences and instructions in decision-making. They prioritize reflecting the will of the people they represent, often through consultations or public input.
How do representatives act as trustees for their constituents?
Trustees use their own judgment and expertise to make decisions they believe are in their constituents’ best interests. This approach allows representatives to act independently when they think it’s necessary for long-term benefits.
Why is all representation metaphorical?
Representation is metaphorical because it involves interpreting or simplifying complex realities. This means representatives often create an image or narrative that cannot fully encompass the diversity of their constituents.
Why can representation be contested?
Representation can be contested because it involves claims about who gets to speak or act on behalf of others. Different groups may disagree about whether a representative accurately reflects their views, identities, or priorities.
What happens when representation is claimed effectively?
Effective representation can shape public opinion, influence decision-making, and create legitimacy for certain ideas or actions. It can also empower groups by giving them a platform to assert their interests.
What did Bertolt Brecht mean by “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it”?
Brecht argued that representation (like art) does not just reflect reality but actively changes it. Through shaping narratives and ideas, representation can drive political or social change.
What is the difference between formal and descriptive representation?
Formal representation is based on established systems like voting or legal authority, ensuring procedural legitimacy. Descriptive representation focuses on the representative sharing similar characteristics with their constituents, helping build trust and relatability.
How can representation lead to misrepresentation?
Representation simplifies complex realities, which can distort certain perspectives or exclude marginalized voices. These gaps create opportunities for misrepresentation, whether intentional or accidental.
Why is representation considered powerful?
Representation influences how groups and identities are understood in society. By shaping perceptions, it determines access to power, resources, and opportunities, making it a critical tool in politics and social movements.
What is the key difference between a delegate and a trustee representative?
Delegates strictly follow the preferences of their constituents, acting as their direct voice. Trustees, on the other hand, rely on their judgment to make decisions they believe will best serve the constituents’ long-term interests.
Why can representation never be perfect?
Representation involves interpreting diverse and complex realities, which inevitably leads to simplifications. This means some perspectives or nuances will always be lost, making representation inherently imperfect.
What does it mean to “claim” representation?
Claiming representation involves asserting the authority to speak or act on behalf of others. This claim can be validated or contested by those being represented or by competing representatives.
How does representation shape collective action?
Representation helps create a shared identity or goal, organizing people around common interests. By focusing attention and resources, it drives collective efforts to achieve political or social objectives.
How does the type of representation affect accountability?
Delegates are accountable to their constituents’ specific preferences, ensuring their actions reflect the public will. Trustees are judged on the outcomes of their independent decisions, balancing expertise with public trust.
