Theories of Representation

Question 1

What are the 3 theories of representation?

Answer 1

1. Burkean
2. Delegate
3. Mandate

Question 2

What is Burkean (trustee) Theory

Answer 2

Constituents entrust their MP to represent them fairly in parliament - meaning the MP can take their own personal views into account to go against the will of their constituency and their party

Question 3

Give an example of an MP exercising Burkean Theory

Answer 3

Nick Boles for Grantham and Stamford voted against Brexit despite his constituency voting Leave

Question 4

What is Delegate Theory

Answer 4

An MP should simply mirror the views of his constituents

Question 5

Why is Delegate Theory difficult to execute in practise?

Answer 5

It is hard for MPs to know what the majority of their constituents believe on every issue

Question 6

What is Mandate Theory

Answer 6

Represents the mandate of their party - it is argued that it is the party and not the personality of any individual MP that gets them elected