Representational Roles

Abstract

Political representation is a multifaceted concept. The literature distinguishes between the focus and the style of representation. The first refers to the groups in society that MPs claim to represent. They can refer to the people of the country as a whole, or rather focus on specific groups and specific interests. The style of representation captures the degree in which MPs act as a delegate with a clear mandate or rather as a trustee who defines more independently the lines to be followed. In this chapter we assess how and the degree to which the focus and the style of representation are affected by the political system. In particular the level of governance and the electoral system appear to have an effect on the representational roles. Party organization and especially the way in which parties select their candidates also defines both style and focus of members of parliament.