- BURKEAN (TRUSTEE)
- Elected representatives are entrusted by voters with the responsibility of governing for all.
- Representatives are free to serve the people as they think best.
- DELEGATE
- Elected representatives are delegated the responsibility to act in the interests of the people who elected them.
- This means that representatives would consider their electorate, state or territory when making decisions.
- They are merely elected to be the mouthpiece of their constituency and act only the way their constituents would want them to, regardless of their own opinion.
- MANDATE
- Views representatives as less independent actors. Constituents rarely vote for a representative based on their personal qualities but more broadly, they vote for their party to be elected into government.
- This model suggests representatives follow the party line and must carry out policies outlined during election campaigns.