Handout D: Delegate or Trustee?

Several times a year Congressman Alvarez hires a political research firm to survey his constituents about different issues facing Congress. He instructs his staff to carefully monitor email, letters, and phone calls from people in the district, and present him with a weekly summary of their opinions. Congressman Alvarez believes that if he listens to his constituents, knows their thoughts and opinions, and votes accordingly, he should have no problem getting re-elected. Is Mr. Alvarez acting as a delegate or as a trustee? Why?

Congresswoman Zito spends as much time as she can in her district, talking with constituents, both to hear their ideas, and to explain her vision about the role and direction of government. She regularly appears on TV
programs, where she debates other politicians about the issues facing Congress. Few people
in her district have any doubt about where she stands, and she is confident that by remaining
consistent in her vision, and explaining her vision to her constituents, she will have little
difficulty in getting re-elected. Is Ms. Zito acting as a delegate or a trustee? Why?