D. Resemblance model

The final theory of representation is based less on the manner in which representatives are selected than on whether they typify or n'scmble the group they claim to represent. This notion is embodied m the idea of a 'representative cross-section', as used by market H'4earchers and opinion pollsters. By this standard, a representative fiivcmment would constitute a microcosm of the larger society, (ouiaining members drawn from all groups and sections in society (in trims of social class, gender, religion, ethnicity, age and so on), and m numbers that are proportional to the size of the groups in society,it large.

The resemblance model suggests that only people who come from.1 particular group, and have shared the experiences of that group, can lully identify with its interests. On the other hand, the idea that u-[)[ jsentatives should resemble the represented undoubtedly causes a number of difficulties.

One of these is that this model portrays representation in exclusive >>i narrow terms, believing that only a woman can represent women, niily a black person can represent other black people, and so on. If all u-|ncsentatives simply advance the interests of the groups from which tlu'v come, the result would be social division and conflict, with no.ми- being able to defend the common good or advance a broader inihlic interest. Moreover, a government that is a microcosm of '..ч k-ty would reflect that society's weaknesses as weil as its strengths. Wlut would be the advantage, for example, of government resembling mh icty if the majority of the population are apathetic, ill informed

■rul poorly educated? Finally, in the name of representation, political i'.iiiics may be forced to select quotas of female and minority

■indidates, constituencies may be set aside for candidates from

 

particular backgrounds, or, more dramatically, the electorate might have to be classified on the basis of class, race, gender and so on, and only be allowed to vote for candidates from their own group.

AFTER-READING activity

♦ Read the text in more depth to do the 'After-reading exercises'.

Ex. 1. Comprehension questions

1. What is a trustee model of representation based on?

2. Burke's view of this representation had strongly elitist implications, didn't it?

3. What is its essence?

4. What are its drawbacks?

5. What role does education play in this model?

6. Are the fears that politicians, given any latitude, would pursue their own interests justified?

B.

7. What is a delegate model of representation based on?

8. Who favours this model and why?

9. What are its disadvantages?

C.

10. What is a mandate model of representation based on?

11. Who or what is the agency of representation here?

12. Why has it stimulated fierce criticism?

D.

13. What is a resemblance model of representation based on?

14. What does a 'representative cross-section' mean?

15. Why does the idea that representatives should resemble the represented cause a number of difficulties?

Ex. 2. Terminology.

A. Learn the terminology:

Manifesto - манифест (программа) партии

Mandate - мандат

Initiative - инициатива (право на инициативу) Recall - отзыв (право на отзыв депутата) 1'opular sovereignty - народный суверенитет

В. Match the notions with the definitions:

•... is a process whereby the electorate can call unsatisfactory
public officials to account and ultimately remove them.

.. is the principle that there is no higher authority than the

will of the people (the basis of the classical concept of democracy).

•... is a type of referendum through which the public is able to raise legislative proposals.

• The idea of a popular... arises from the claim on behalf of a winning party that its manifesto promises have been endorsed, giving it authority to translate these into a programme of government.

-... is a document outlining (in more or less detail) the policies or programme a party proposes to pursue if elected to power.

«Work with the dictionary and consult the text to do ex. 3, 4