Dimensions of Representation

Scholars have long noted that people who hold political office can employ several strategies to best represent their constituents and advance their re-election goals. These include descriptive representation, substantive representation, symbolic representation, allocation, and constituency service. While these strategies are not mutually exclusive representative generally need to focus on some more than others. This study aims to illuminate which forms of representation are most valuable to certain people contingent on their race, political opinions, and psychological traits.