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This book examines the nature of representation in democracy, focusing specifically on the factors shaping constituent evaluations of the US House Representatives and the resulting implications for government.

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Introduction: Why a Constituent Perspective? 1. The Nature of Representation 2. The Constituent Perspective: Foundations and Formation 3. Muddy Waters and Perception of Representative Issue Positions: Constituent Ignorance, Delusion, or Rationality 4. The Appropriate Response? Components of Constituent Evaluations 5. Who Prefers What: The Impact of Identity on Evaluations 6. Conclusion: Constituent Evaluations: Linking Member Behavior and Electoral Accountability

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"Dr. Lauermann not only develops a more comprehensive model of constituent evaluations of representatives, but she also provides a stunningly broad-based review of the literature on representation and the relationship between constituents and elected officials. She also provides a rather thorough review of how other studies seem to chip away around the edges. This work is a ´must-assign´ for classes in legislative politics or those taking a more theoretical approach to the study of representation and republican government." Jim Twombly, Associate Professor of Political Science, Elmira College, USA

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Professor of Political Science, Messiah College, USA

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