Introduction

Abstract

This article introduces the subject of constituency representation in states with systems of multi-level government and/or mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral systems. It introduces the interest in this subject in the UK following devolution in Scotland and Wales. It specifies research questions on the approaches of representatives to constituency work and the relationships between them. It puts forward five hypotheses as a focus for comparative analysis. The paper then raises the need in developing comparative analysis to take account of different national institutional and political contexts. It explores different institutional forms of multi-level and MMP systems, and then different ideas about the roles that different types of representative should play in constituency work as well as contexts of party organization and party system.