Introduction to Representation in US Politics

The United States adopts a representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and create laws on their behalf.
Representation comprises two main types - delegate representation and trustee representation.

Delegate vs Trustee Representation

Delegate representation: This implies that elected officials should act as the voice of their constituents, echoing their views and interests in policy decisions.
Trustee representation: Here, elected representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions they believe to be in the best interest of their constituents, even if these decisions contradict constituents’ stated preferences.

The electoral system plays a significant role in representation. The winner-takes-all system in the US often favails two major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans.
The imbalance in the Electoral College, where certain states have disproportionate influence, has led to debates on its role in representing the popular vote.

Politicians often represent the specific geographical area from which they were elected, either state (in the Senate) or a congressional district (in the House of Representatives).
Representatives and Senators will often advocate for policies that benefit their home constituencies, whether in terms of federal funding, legislation, or oversight.

The Democrat and Republican parties, represent broad coalitions of interests and are central to the US political system.
Party affiliation often plays a crucial role in policymaking and Representatives and Senators may feel compelled to vote along party lines.

Interest groups, such as lobby groups or political action committees (PACs) represent the interests of specific segments of the society or economy.
These groups can exert significant influence on policymakers through campaign contributions, lobbying, and grassroots mobilisation.

Critics argue that representation in US politics tends to favour the wealthy and the majority, whilst marginalised groups remain underrepresented.
The role of money in politics raises concerns about whether politicians represent their constituents or their contributors.
There are ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness of the delegate versus trustee models of representation. Each approach has its strengths, but also significant potential drawbacks.