Representation, Responsive and Indicative
Constellations, Vol 17, 2010, 426-34
9 Pages Posted: 6 Dec 2015
Date Written: 2010
Abstract
Political representation may be responsive or indicative in character. In the responsive variety, the representer adopts a certain profile as a causal response to the mindset — the wishes, or interests, or whatever — of the represented. In the indicative, the fact that the representer adopts a certain profile indicates, as a matter of evidence, that the represented are of a corresponding mindset; indeed, in the typical case, the representer is chosen as a representer because of this being the case. This distinction cuts across more recognized divisions among types of representation and helps to illuminate many issues in politics.
Keywords: indicative representation, descriptive representation, responsive representation
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation