15.) Theories of Representation Flashcards
Who suggested the Burkean Theory of representation?
Edmund Burke
What is the Burkean Theory also known as?
Trustee theory
What did Burke suggest MPs should do?
Consider their voters views but also use their own judgement when making decisions
What has weakened the Burkean theory in modern times?
The party whip system
Name an MP who has followed the Burkean Theory?
Nick Boles - Tory MP for Grantham and Stamford
How did he demonstrate Burkean theory?
He represented a leave constituency (Brexit) but voted remain, and voted against the Brexit-supporting Tory government multiple times
What’s another example of Burkean theory?
Votes of conscience - MPs aren’t directed to vote in specific ways, but often consider their constituents views
Name an example of this?
Gay marriage vote, 2013
What is the delegate theory?
MPs have no autonomy, they do what their constituents want with no personal input
Name an instance of delegate theory?
Zac Goldsmith, promised to resign if Heathrow got a third runway, when third runway announced, he resigned
What happened next for Zac Goldsmith?
He fought the next election as an independent and lost, showing voters don’t always reward MPs are keep their word
What is mandate theory?
MPs are there to carry their party’s wishes - as it’s the party that voters elect, not the person
What argument can be used in favour of mandate theory?
Several MPs being elected for certain parties, resigning and losing the next election when standing for another party/independent
Name an example of an MP losing relevant to mandate theory?
Frank Field - Birkenhead, 2019, resigned from Labour, stood as independent and defeated
Name an exception to the mandate theory, who WON an election after switching/resigning parties?
Douglas Carswell - Tory MP, Clacton, defected to UKIP in 2014, resigned and then won both by-election and general election for UKIP
