10. Representation, Elections and Voting - Heywood, 5th Edition

A person who is vested with formal (and usually legal) responsibilities for another’s property or affairs.

A concern for the welfare of others, based on either enlightened self-interest, or recognition of a common humanity.

A person who is chosen to act for another on the basis of clear guidance and instruction; delegates do not think for themselves.

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

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

The principle that there is no higher authority than the will of the people (the basis of the classical concept of democracy).

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

Literally, a little world; a miniature version of a larger body, but exact in its features and proportions.

A model of representation that takes account of politicians’ social and other characteristics, usually based on the idea that they should be a ‘representative sample’ of the larger society.

The largest number out of a collection of numbers, not necessarily an absolute majority (50 per cent or more of all the numbers combined).

The degree to which the allocation of seats amongst parties reflects the distribution of the popular vote.

Voting behaviour that is shaped by party policies and (usually) a calculation of personal self-interest.