Being expected to represent their target demographic and speak on their behalf, Congress members are expected to select appropriate models of representation that allow for satisfying the population’s needs fully. With a proper choice of representation approach, a congressperson can safely ensure that the needs of the target demographics are fully met and that minority groups, as well as marginalized members of the community, are given a chance to voice their concerns. Though each representation approach incorporates opportunities and challenges, the delegate representation approach seems to be the most flexible framework allowing for control over representatives while giving them enough leeway to make decisions based on the unique characteristics of the situation.
Traditionally, four types of representation can be observed in Congressmen or Congresswomen in the U.S. government system. Specifically, one may observe the forms of representation such as partisan, delegate, trustee and mirror (Bøggild, 2020). However, another approach that allows singling out three main forms of representation, specifically, delegate, trustee, and politico, is also quite common. The delegate4 representation framework suggests that a Congress member is entitled to act on behalf of the interests and needs of the people that elected him or her (Caplan et al., 2021). In turn, as trustees, members of Congress are given the power to govern all members of the community (Bøggild, 2020). In turn, partisan members of Congress are expected to vote in a manner that addresses the needs of the people who have voted for them. Finally, mirror MCs are expected to make decisions that reflect the needs of all social groups (Caplan et al., 2021). Although the mirror representation approach seems to be the fairest and most legitimate, other options must be selected in some cases.
Though each MC is expected to be guided by the principles that allow him or her to cater to the needs of all citizens, some MCs may fail to represent the full extent of diversity within their communities. The ability of MCs to represent their populations hinges on a range of factors, among which one should mention characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and sex. Specifically, MCs that do not belong to ethnically or racially diverse communities are likely unaware of the challenges the communities in question face. Therefore, MCs in question are likely to face challenges when representing people of color. Similarly, make MCs will find it quite difficult to cater to the needs of female community members and meet their sex-based rights, which means that ex is another vital characteristic that is likely to define an MC’s efficacy in meeting the needs of marginalized groups. In turn, gender expression as a facet of an individual’s personality is unlikely to profoundly affect an MC’s ability to address the needs of different types of minorities.
Furthermore, the role of Congress representatives can be explored through the lens of the Biblical model of statesmanship. Suggesting that the leadership framework for a CM should be rooted in the holistic Biblical approach and incorporate three key notions of blessing, mandate, and flourishing through implementing God’s will (The Bible, New International Version, 1973). The Biblical model improves legal representation through its focus on equity and equality, thus, building a community where the needs of all its members are met, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups (Fischer, 2020). Thus, incorporating the Biblical model of statesmanship should be integrated into the leadership approach, decision-making, and value systems of MCs.
References
Bøggild, T. (2020). Politicians as party hacks: Party loyalty and public distrust in politicians. The Journal of Politics, 82(4), 1516-1529.
Caplan, M., McMahon, N., & Alcantara, C. (2021). Representing the constituency: Institutional design and legislative behavior. Representation, 57(4), 459-474.
Fischer, K. J. (2020). Biblical principles of government and criminal justice. Liberty University Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy, 1(1), 1-13.
The Bible. New International Version. (1973). Zondervan.