representanten

Representanten is a person who represents others or speaks on their behalf. In political contexts, a representative is an elected official who acts in the interests of constituents within a legislative body. The term can apply to someone who represents a geographic district, a political party, a profession, or the shareholders of a company.

In political theory, representation can take several forms. The delegate model urges representatives to mirror the wishes of their voters; the trustee model emphasizes decision‑making based on judgment and expertise. Descriptive representation focuses on resemblance in demographics or status, while substantive representation emphasizes advocacy of policy preferences regardless of appearance.

Representatives perform duties such as deliberating, voting on laws, and overseeing government activities. They may be elected to national parliaments, regional councils, or municipal bodies. In corporate settings, board members act as representatives of shareholders. The concept also appears in international forums and non-governmental organizations, where delegates or representatives advocate for member interests.

Historically, representative government broadened in the early modern period, with development in Britain and the Netherlands and later in democracies around the world through elections, constitutional limits, and accountability mechanisms. Representation faces ongoing debates about accountability, legitimacy, and the degree to which representatives reflect constituent preferences. Critics point to party influence, gerrymandering, unequal access to political power, and the challenge of balancing expert judgment with popular will.