Should representatives make decisions based on their own judgments or according to the wishes of their constituents?

Essay by crackers7High School, 12th gradeA-, October 2004

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Should representatives make decisions based on their own judgments or according to the wishes of their constituents?

The principles of democracy came from the combination of Greek words demos (the people) and kraiten (to rule), rule by the people1. This is the basis of most Western countries government systems, Canada's in particular. Canada's form of democratic government is known as a representative one. Canadian citizens elect candidates to best represent their interests. Eventually these representatives will meet and pass laws on behalf of the whole country1, or risk not being re-elected the following election or a recall being put into effect. Therefore based on the basis of Canada's democratic government system representatives should make decisions according to the wishes of the constituents.

The Canadian democratic process is slightly varied from the original process of people discussing then a vote being held. The Canadian government is made up of members from a variety of political parties.

This allows Canadians to have a choice when trying to select a candidate whom they think will best act for their wishes and values. This way this representative government is still ruled by the people.

MP's (Members of Parliament), MLA's (Members of Legislative Assembly) and Alderman's are all people that have been elected by a group of Canadian citizens who thought they would best represent their area and concerns in the varying levels of government. Once the candidates have had the honor of being elected by the constituents it is the elected member's job to raise issues and matters that affect their voters at their government level. As well because of their position, they are to be making decisions based on what would benefit or what most electorates would agree too. Not only that, it is their job to fulfill their promises and...