Legislative Representation as Parallel-processing and Problem-Solving

Abstract

Research on representation as congruence has reached a point of diminishing learning. Three criticisms of congruence or mandatory politics are reviewed. Representation as parallel-processing in problem-solving is introduced, defined, and illustrated by the work of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In addition to a review of the interaction between Senators and witnesses in two committee hearings, the paper examines one decision in detail. The weaknesses of the congruence conception of representation are strong points of representation as parallel-processing in representation.