"This book discusses the theories of the leading writers on representation, including Burke, Bentham and the two Mills in England, Madison and Calhoun in America and the Abbé Sieyès in France. It examines the relationship between ideas which emphasize the representation of interests (whether these be of individuals, sections or classes) and ideas which emphasize the representation of opinion (whether these be of individuals, groups or parties). It also examines the results of recent empirical research on the representative process and discusses the extent to which these findings support or undermine the theories of earlier writers. Finally, the book discusses the functions of political representation under eight headings, in a way which lays the foundation for a value-free analysis of the nature of representative relationships and processes"--Dust jacket.