What term describes when representatives share characteristics with their constituents?

The term that describes when representatives share characteristics with their constituents is descriptive representation. This concept emphasizes the importance of having elected officials who reflect the demographic and social characteristics of the population they serve, such as race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Descriptive representation is significant because it suggests that representatives who share similar backgrounds may better understand and advocate for the interests and needs of their constituents, fostering a more inclusive political process. It aims to enhance the legitimacy and responsiveness of governmental institutions by ensuring that diverse perspectives are present in decision-making.

Substantive representation, on the other hand, refers to the idea that representatives advocate for the interests and policy preferences of their constituents, regardless of shared characteristics. Proportional representation relates to electoral systems that allocate seats in the legislature proportionally to the votes received, rather than the relationship between representatives and their constituents. Mirrored representation is not a standard term in this context and does not have a recognized definition in political science literature related to representation.