The Role of the Good Constituency Member and the Practice of Representation in Great Britain

Abstract

There are in Britain two dimensions of representation: a national dimension which focuses on policy opinions, and a constituency dimension which focuses on redress of grievances. For centuries, the redress of grievances was the only important function performed by members of Parliament. In response to the recent expansion of central government and the rise of the welfare state, this function has been revitalized in the role of the "good constituency member" who represents constituents by making representations on behalf of their individual needs and collective interests. Using interview data on 338 MPs, the following article investigates this role, explores its relationships with behavior, and examines incentives which lead backbenchers to choose constituency service over alternative career paths.

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