Question
What are the various theories of representation?
Solution
There have been different opinions regarding the role of the representatives in the decision making process.
1. Authoritarian Theory of Rep-resentation: Thomas Hobbes and Alexander Hamilton were the main advocates of this theory. This theory emphasizes on the superior knowledge and wisdom of the politicians. Hobbes was particularly in favour of the authority of the monarchical Government. Monarch is created by a democratic method but after assuming power he becomes powerful.
2. Radical Theory of Representation: The main supporter of this theory are Rousseau and the proponents of the New Left. This theory believes in the direct participation in the law making process or governance.
3. Mirror Theory of Representation: Chief advocates of this theory were John Locke and Thomas Jefferson. It highlights the idea that legislatures must be the mirror images of the society. The representatives are the agents of the people. It was based on the principle of equality.
4. Elitist Theory of Representation: This theory believes that once elected the representative has a special responsibility to provide leadership to the masses. This theory is undemocratic in the sense that it believes on the wisdom of an elitist group ofpoliticians. It considers this group as the custodian of public interest.
1. Authoritarian Theory of Rep-resentation: Thomas Hobbes and Alexander Hamilton were the main advocates of this theory. This theory emphasizes on the superior knowledge and wisdom of the politicians. Hobbes was particularly in favour of the authority of the monarchical Government. Monarch is created by a democratic method but after assuming power he becomes powerful.
2. Radical Theory of Representation: The main supporter of this theory are Rousseau and the proponents of the New Left. This theory believes in the direct participation in the law making process or governance.
3. Mirror Theory of Representation: Chief advocates of this theory were John Locke and Thomas Jefferson. It highlights the idea that legislatures must be the mirror images of the society. The representatives are the agents of the people. It was based on the principle of equality.
4. Elitist Theory of Representation: This theory believes that once elected the representative has a special responsibility to provide leadership to the masses. This theory is undemocratic in the sense that it believes on the wisdom of an elitist group ofpoliticians. It considers this group as the custodian of public interest.
