Representation
Representation: Understood in terms of how legislators represent their constituents.
Different models of representation – the trustee model, the delegate model and the
mandate model.
Understood in terms of who represents the electorate. This is called the resemblance model
of representation + considers how representative legislators are in terms of such factors as
gender + race.
Constitution states that they must be residents of the sate they represent, so this gives them
a good understanding of what the ‘folks back home’ are saying.
Number of states go further insisting the locality rule that House members reside in the
congressional district that they represent.
Typical House or Senate members do not just reside in state or district; they will have been
born, raised, education and will have worker there.
House members careful about constituents views – face electorate every 2 years.
Senator Elizabeth Role lost re-election bid in same years for failing to be attentive enough to
the wishes of votes of North Carolina + paying too few visits.
Television ad from opponent Kay Hagan, reminded N.Carolina that Senator Dole visited 12
states for President Bush in 2006, while records show Dole spent only 13 days in N.Carolina.
Back home, House + Senate members – variety of engagements:
Holding party + ‘town hall’ meetings.
Conducting ‘surgeries’ with individual constituents.
Making visits around the state/district.
Appearing on local radio phone in programmes.
Interviews with representatives of the local media.
Addressing groups – chambers of commerce, professional groups + Round table lunches.
Visiting local schools, hospitals + businesses.
Representation in the UK:
Unlike US who use the trustee model, the UK uses the model of representation in HOC.
Delegates (MP’s) – clear instructions on how they are to act.
Must follow instructions in full + not adapt based on own judgement.
Must not vote on basis – personal views/conscience.
MP – protect + advance collective interests of constituency they represent + to represent
interest of individuals.
How they Represent?-
Lobby the gov. about developments.
Numerous requests for help.
Take up individual cases with relevant authorities or raising the issue minister in parliament
e.g. QT, Departmental Select Committee, EDM to raise awareness, secure time slot to have
Representation: Understood in terms of how legislators represent their constituents.
Different models of representation – the trustee model, the delegate model and the
mandate model.
Understood in terms of who represents the electorate. This is called the resemblance model
of representation + considers how representative legislators are in terms of such factors as
gender + race.
Constitution states that they must be residents of the sate they represent, so this gives them
a good understanding of what the ‘folks back home’ are saying.
Number of states go further insisting the locality rule that House members reside in the
congressional district that they represent.
Typical House or Senate members do not just reside in state or district; they will have been
born, raised, education and will have worker there.
House members careful about constituents views – face electorate every 2 years.
Senator Elizabeth Role lost re-election bid in same years for failing to be attentive enough to
the wishes of votes of North Carolina + paying too few visits.
Television ad from opponent Kay Hagan, reminded N.Carolina that Senator Dole visited 12
states for President Bush in 2006, while records show Dole spent only 13 days in N.Carolina.
Back home, House + Senate members – variety of engagements:
Holding party + ‘town hall’ meetings.
Conducting ‘surgeries’ with individual constituents.
Making visits around the state/district.
Appearing on local radio phone in programmes.
Interviews with representatives of the local media.
Addressing groups – chambers of commerce, professional groups + Round table lunches.
Visiting local schools, hospitals + businesses.
Representation in the UK:
Unlike US who use the trustee model, the UK uses the model of representation in HOC.
Delegates (MP’s) – clear instructions on how they are to act.
Must follow instructions in full + not adapt based on own judgement.
Must not vote on basis – personal views/conscience.
MP – protect + advance collective interests of constituency they represent + to represent
interest of individuals.
How they Represent?-
Lobby the gov. about developments.
Numerous requests for help.
Take up individual cases with relevant authorities or raising the issue minister in parliament
e.g. QT, Departmental Select Committee, EDM to raise awareness, secure time slot to have
