In this article you will learn about Territorial Representation in Political Science.
Territorial Representation
Representation based on Territorial Constituencies :
When the constituencies are demarcated (delimited) as territorial units and form each territorial constituency all the electors (teachers, students, businessman, civil servants, industrialists, shopkeepers, drivers, mechanics, doctors, engineers, accountants i.e. people belonging to all classes and all professions, jobs and occupations), elect their common representatives, the system is called territorial representation.
To other words a territorial district or constituency is a demarcated area and voters living within the territorial limits of this area, elect a representative or some representatives. For example when all the people residing in a city, say which is a single constituency for electing a member of Lok Sabha, elect one person as their representative (MP), the system is called territorial representation. This is the most popular way of representation. In almost all the states territorial constituencies are created and territorial representation is given. It is called geographical representation.
Merits of Arguments in Favour of Territorial Representation
1. It is a simple method of Representation : The whole territory of the state is divided into territorial units i.e. territorial constituencies. All the people living in one constituency together elect their representatives. As such, it is a very simple method of representation.
2. Direct Contacts with the Elected Representatives : Since the elected representative belongs to the territory of the constituency, he continuously maintains direct contacts with his electors.
3. Source of Unity : Since all the people of each territory constituency (i.e. persons belonging to all occupations, trade, business, industry and professions as well as both rich and poor) together elect their representative, it gives rise to a feeling of unity among them. It cultivates a collective spirit among all the people living in the constituency.
4. Easy way of Identification of Constituencies : Territory is a stable element of state. The boundaries of each territorial constituency can be clearly defined. Migration of population does not affect a territorial constituency.
5. Better satisfaction of Local Needs of the Local People : Because of direct and continuous contacts between the people and their representative, local needs can be more easily recognised and served. Elected representatives can easily come forward to serve the local needs of their respective territorial constituencies.
6. More scope for Development : Constituency level development plan and projects can be easily formulated and implemented by the elected representatives in their respective constituencies.
Demerits of Arguments against Territorial Representation
1. Wrong basis of Representation : People of different occupations, professions and trades cannot be represented by one common representative elected from a territorial constituency. Supporters of functional representation reject the system of territorial representation. They want separate representations for each professional and occupational group.
2. Territorial Representation encourages Localism : The people living in a territorial constituency always care only for their local area (i.e. area of the constituency). They tend to ignore regional and national needs and interests.
3. Functional Representation is better than Territorial Representation : It is common knowledge that only teachers can really represent the interests of teachers, doctors can represent doctors, students can represent students, and so on. The people belonging to different vocations cannot be really represented by a common representative.
This article on Territorial Representation in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.