Which statement best distinguishes descriptive representation from normative representation?

• A. Descriptive representation depicts groups that share characteristics with constituents.
• B. Descriptive representation refers to representing constituent interests regardless of shared characteristics.
• C. Descriptive representation is about geographic distribution of seats.
• D. Descriptive representation is identical to majority rule.

Answer: (A)

Descriptive representation is about whether the legislature mirrors the demographic makeup of the people it serves, sharing characteristics like race, gender, or ethnicity with constituents. Normative representation, by contrast, focuses on representing people’s interests and policy preferences, even if the representative doesn’t share those traits.

The statement that identifies descriptive representation is the one that says it depicts groups that share characteristics with constituents. That captures the idea of mirroring identity rather than pursuing particular policies or interests.

The other options point to different concepts: representing constituent interests regardless of shared characteristics aligns with normative representation; geographic distribution of seats pertains to territorial or spatial representation; and equating descriptive representation with majority rule mixes up representation with a decision process.