The trustee model of representation is a model of a representative democracy. Constituents elect their representatives as 'trustees' (or 'entrust' them) for their constituency. These 'trustees' have sufficient autonomy to deliberate and act in favor of the greater common good and national interest, even if it means going against the short-term interests of his or her own constituency. The model provides a solution to the problem uninformed constituents that do not have the necessary knowledge on issues to take an educated position.

This model was formulated by Edmund Burke (1729-1797), a British philosopher, who also created the Delegate model of representation. In the trustee model, Burke argued that his behavior in Parliament should be informed by his knowledge and experience, allowing him to serve the public interest. Indeed, as he put it "his unbiased opinion, his mature judgment, his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you, to any man, or to any set of men living. ... Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion". Essentially, a trustee considers an issue and, after hearing all sides of the debate, exercises their own judgement in making decisions about what should be done. "You choose a member, indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament". (Burke, 1774).

J.S. Mill also championed this model. He stated that while all individuals have a right to be repesented, not all political opinions are of equal value. He suggested a model where constituents would receive votes according to their level of education (i.e people with degrees receiving the most votes, and working class people receiving the least).

Further reading

• Burke, Edmund. 1774 (1906). Speech to the electors of Bristol in The Works of the Right Honorable Edmund Burke. Vol. II. New York: Oxford University Press.

External links

• Burke's speech to the electors of Bristol
• 'Representative Government' by J.S. Mill
• 'On Liberty' by J.S Mill