Concepts of Representation
What do we mean when we say that parliamentarians “represent” citizens? The concept of representation has shifted over time, and even now is in flux. The classic representation dichotomy contrasts legislators as delegates – where legislators mirror or transmit constituency attitudes and preferences, with legislators as trustees – where the legislators themselves determine what is in their constituent’s best interests. Legislators acting as trustees consider themselves selected because of their special abilities, and see their job as adapting their constituents’ needs into the national welfare.
The “delegate – trustee” dichotomy, however, does not really apply to those parliaments where party discipline is high, and where members never – or almost never – dare vote against the dictates of their party. In the responsible party model, parties put forward alternative platforms to the electorate, and citizens indicate their preferences by electing one party over another. Proponents of this model argue that since voters vote for a party and a platform, party members are obliged to support that platform. In parliamentary systems, the government’s survival depends upon the votes of governing party members, and in presidential systems party cohesion and assurance of votes from party members enables parties to get their programs through the legislature.
Critics of this model contend that no party platform can be specific enough to cover all of the issues considered during the life of a parliament, and that members should therefore have some latitude in voting their conscience or in support of the needs of their constituents. But in systems where party discipline is very strong, a representative’s preferences for or against specific legislation might have little impact on how he or she votes. Political party leaders have numerous tools at their disposal to ensure that party MPs do not vote against the interests of the party. Especially in nations with parliamentary systems and party list electoral systems (see Unit 3), it is very difficult for MPs to vote against their party (Zappal 1999).
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