Representation in the appointed state: The case of councillors in the West Midlands Regional Assembly

摘要: The rise of indirectly elected institutions, such as the West Midlands Regional Assembly, has democratic implications for notions accountability, legitimacy and representation. representative function these bodies must be explicitly fulfilled if they are to considered democratic. conceptual focus this thesis is members Assembly. analysis applies a role framework based on Pitkin’s “Four Views Representation” explore formalistic substantive elements representation through an appraisal focus, style, scope. results show that there weak accountability structures in place, leading representatives adopt trustee conception their roles. A grounded theory utilised additional factors not covered framework. This surfaced structural motivations affect choice. utilises Weick’s concept sensemaking interpretation enactment different roles taking into account importance institutions framing micro processes. new methodology permits relative influence institutional context, structure individual agency delivers model understanding logics action appointed bodies.