What does agency representation emphasize?

Agency representation emphasizes accountability to constituents. This concept is rooted in the expectation that elected officials act in the best interests of their constituents, acknowledging their needs and preferences. In the framework of agency representation, lawmakers are seen as agents who are accountable to the people who elected them, much like a representative in a principal-agent relationship. When officials prioritize their constituents' interests, they foster a trusting relationship between themselves and the voters, enhancing their legitimacy and the responsiveness of government.

Although personalized support for constituents, collective decision-making, and majority voting patterns are important aspects of political representation, they do not encapsulate the core principle of agency representation, which centers around the idea that officials must remain accountable to the people they serve.