mandatarisme

Mandatarism is a political theory that posits that the people have the right to delegate their authority to a representative, who then acts on their behalf. This concept is often associated with the idea of popular sovereignty, where the will of the people is considered the ultimate authority. Mandatarism suggests that representatives are not merely agents of the people but are invested with a mandate to act in the people's interest.

The theory of mandatarism was popularized by the French political scientist Gustave de Molinari in the early 20th century. He argued that the people elect representatives who, in turn, act as their agents, carrying out the will of the people in the legislative and executive branches of government. This delegation of authority is seen as a means to ensure that the government acts in the best interests of the people.

Critics of mandatarism argue that it can lead to a lack of accountability, as representatives may feel less responsible to the people if they believe they are acting on a mandate. Additionally, the theory has been criticized for potentially undermining democratic principles by suggesting that the people's will can be effectively delegated to representatives.

Despite these criticisms, mandatarism remains a significant concept in political science, influencing debates about representation, accountability, and the role of the people in democratic governance. It continues to be a subject of scholarly and public discourse, particularly in discussions about the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives.