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Encyclopedia > Trustee model of representation

The trustee model of representation is a model of a representative democracy. Constituents elect their representatives as 'trustees' (or 'entrust' them) for their constituency. These 'trustees' have sufficient autonomy to deliberate and act in favor of the greater common good and national interest, even if it means going against the short-term interests of his or her own constituency. The model provides a solution to the problem uninformed constituents that do not have the necessary knowledge on issues to take an educated position. Representative democracy comprises a form of democracy and theory of civics wherein voters choose (in free, secret, multi-party elections) representatives to act in their interests, but not as their proxies—i. ... A constituent is someone who can or does appoint or elect (and often by implication can also remove or recall) another as her agent or representative. ... The word trustee is a legal term that refers to a member of a trust, which can be set up for any of a variety of purposes, and is entrusted with the administration of property on behalf of others. ... A constituency is any cohesive corporate unit or body bound by shared structures, goals or loyalty. ... Autonomy is the condition of something that does not depend on anything else. ... The national interest, often referred to by the French term raison détat, is a countrys goals and ambitions whether economic, military, or cultural. ...


This model was formulated by Edmund Burke (1729-1797), a British philosopher, who also created 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. Indeed, as he put it "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". Essentially, a trustee considers an issue and, after hearing all sides of the debate, exercises their own judgement in making decisions about what should be done. "You choose a member, indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament". (Burke, 1774). Edmund Burke Edmund Burke (January 12, 1729 – July 9, 1797) was an Anglo-Irish statesman, author, and philosopher, who served for many years in the British House of Commons as a member of the Whig Party. ... Events July 30 - Baltimore, Maryland is founded. ... 1797 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... What is it? The delegate model of representation is a model of a representative democracy. ... The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative institution in the United Kingdom and British overseas territories (it alone has parliamentary sovereignty). ... Public interest is a term used to denote political movements and organizations that are in the public interest—supporting general public and civic causes, in opposition of private and corporate ones (particularistic goals). ...


J.S. Mill also championed this model. He stated that while all individuals have a right to be repesented, not all political opinions are of equal value. He suggested a model where constituents would receive votes according to their level of education (i.e people with degrees receiving the most votes, and working class people receiving the least). John Stuart Mill (May 20, 1806 – May 8, 1873), aka JS Mill, an English philosopher and political economist, was an influential liberal thinker of the 19th century. ... A bachelors degree is usually an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts three or four years. ... The term working class is used to denote a social class. ...


Further reading

  • Burke, Edmund. 1774 (1906). Speech to the electors of Bristol in The Works of the Right Honorable Edmund Burke. Vol. II. New York: Oxford University Press.

External links


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