Forms of Representation

• Representative Democracy

  • Social Representation; representatives should resemble the characteristics of the nation.
  • Representing the national interest.
  • Constituency Representation.
  • Party Representation.
  • Functional Representation.
  • Causal Representation.
• Social Representation

  • Characteristics of representatives should resemble the characteristics of the wider population.
  • Parliament should be half women, a proportion drawn from ethnic minorities and there should be a good range of class and age backgrounds.
• Representing national interest

  • Representatives are elected by their local constituents, but are expected to vote in the national interest.
  • This can sometimes clash with their local constituency.
  • Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith opposed the national Conservative Government by protesting against a 3rd Heathrow runway.
  • Many Labour MPs have seen their support decline in Muslim voters due to their support for Israel.
• Constituency Representation

  • Constituency interests; should a new railway be built in a constituency?; how does a specific issue affect the local community.
  • Individual interests; redress of grievances; an MP can petition on behalf of a constituent treated unfairly by a government service.
  • MPs will listen to the views of their constituents when making decisions on national issues; this can sometimes lead to dilemmas; many Conservative MPs in remain areas had to vote for Brexit despite their constituents opposing it.
• Party Representation

  • Voters can support parties who represent their views best.
  • Political Parties can translate voter's views into legislation.
  • However, many voters now supporting independent politicians.
• Functional Representation

  • Some representatives will also represent specific occupational or social groups.
  • MPs may prioritise specific social groups like LGBT, or Northern MPs supporting trade unions.
  • Conservative MP Crispin Blunt is an outspoken defender of Trans Rights, even though his own Party and many constituents are generally opposed.
• Causal Representation

  • Usually carried out by pressure groups to represent a large societal cause such as climate change policies.
  • Elected representatives can also help this.
• Political Parties and Representation

  • UK Parties are tighter and more united bodies.
  • It is usually the case that one party rules in the UK; exception is during the coalition and Theresa May's coalition government.
  • Their role is connected to the doctrine of mandate and manifesto.
• Mandates and Manifestos in representation

  • Voters can vote for a Party and give them a Parliamentary majority to carry out their manifesto; this gives political parties a mandate.
  • At a General Election; voters can hold the government accountable if it has not fulfilled it's manifesto promises.
• Pressure Groups in representation

  • Sectional Pressure Groups; these include the BMA, NFU, AA, and Taxpayers Alliance; will push clear policies and ideas of their members.
  • Some Pressure Groups do not have formal memberships; may represent a section of society but not have the direct means of determining these demands; examples of these groups includes Age UK, Stonewall, British Drivers' Association.
  • Causal Representation; represent a set of beliefs and policies they believe will benefit society as a whole; examples include ASH, and Liberty.