ABSTRACT
How well do local government legislatures (city councils and county commissions) reflect the interests, opinions, and characteristics of their communities? This article provides an overview of the empirical research on the linkage between elected local officials and constituents. Given their particular importance, the focus is primarily on the impact of varying electoral structures used to choose elected representatives. The legislative bodies of cities and counties have a central place in the processes of popular representation, democratic governance, and accountability in their communities.
