Trustee model of representation
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The trustee model of representation is a model of a representative democracy, frequently contrasted with the delegate model of representation.[1] In this model, constituents elect their representatives as 'trustees' for their constituency. These 'trustees' have autonomy to deliberate and act as they see fit, in their own conscience even if it means going against the explicit desires of their constituents. By contrast, in the delegate model, the representative is expected to act strictly in accordance with the beliefs of their constituents.[2][3]
History
This model was formulated by Edmund Burke[2] (1729–1797), an Irish MP and philosopher, who opposed the delegate model of representation. In the trustee model, Burke argued that his behavior in Parliament should be informed by his knowledge and experience, allowing him to serve the public interest. Essentially, a trustee considers an issue and, after hearing all sides of the debate, exercises their own judgment in making decisions about what should be done.
His unbiased opinion, his mature judgment, his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you, to any man, or to any set of men living. ... Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.
You choose a member, indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not a member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament. (Burke, 1774)
He made these statements immediately after being elected, and after his colleague had spoken in favour of coercive instructions being given to representatives.[citation needed] Burke conscientiously objected to slavery,[4]: 6 but needed to balance this against his electors' slave trade business.[4]: 8–9 This played a minor role in decreasing support for reelecting him in Bristol, forcing him to run in Malton,[4]: 9 which did not benefit from the slave trade.[4]: 19
John Stuart Mill preferred intelligent representatives.[3]: 1 He stated that while all individuals have a right to be represented, not all political opinions are of equal value. He suggested a model where constituents would receive votes that increase based on each level of education past simple literacy and math.[5]
Further reading
- Burke, Edmund. 1774. Speech to the electors of Bristol in The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke. Vol. II. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press (1906).
See also
References
- ^ Dovi, Suzanne (2018), Zalta, Edward N. (ed.), "Political Representation", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2018 ed.), Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, retrieved 2024-09-09
- ^ a b Bohn (1854). The works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke. OCLC 6368148. Retrieved 2011-01-17.
- ^ a b Fox, Justin; Shotts, Kenneth W. (July 23, 2007). "Delegates or Trustees? A Theory of Political Accountability" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-01-17.
- ^ a b c d Collins, Gregory M. (2019). "Edmund Burke on slavery and the slave trade". Slavery & Abolition. 40 (3): 494–521. doi:10.1080/0144039X.2019.1597501. ISSN 0144-039X. S2CID 150733637.
- ^ Macleod, Christopher (2020), Zalta, Edward N. (ed.), "John Stuart Mill", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2020 ed.), Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, retrieved 2024-09-09