ABSTRACT
The representational link is asymmetric because any given communicative or influence effort does not automatically generate an equal but opposite effect. Lawmakers must decide what representative stance to take toward their constituencies; how to allocate their limited resources among policy, service, and symbolic representational activities; and, indeed, what commitment to make to representation in general. Representation requires that Congress, elected by the citizenry, protect and advance the interests of the electorate: speak for the voters and act on behalf of the public. Policy representation refers to the belief that the legislature through its members should act to advance the interests of the people. The component of policy representation, style, relates to the manner in which the members of Congress feel they must act on behalf of their constituents. A number of possible explanations exist for this closer than necessary connection between congressional policy choices and constituency opinion.
