What type of representation is characterized by the idea that elected officials should reflect their constituents' demographics?

Descriptive representation is characterized by the principle that elected officials should mirror the demographic characteristics of their constituents, such as race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This concept emphasizes the importance of having representatives who share similar backgrounds with the populations they serve, arguing that such representation can lead to a better understanding of the constituents' needs and perspectives.

Descriptive representation is often discussed in the context of promoting diversity within legislative bodies, ensuring that minority voices are heard and issues pertinent to specific demographic groups are addressed. Advocates believe that when representatives resemble the demographics of their constituents, it not only fosters trust and legitimacy in the political process but also enhances the quality of representation.

In contrast, substantive representation focuses on the policies and interests that officials advocate for, regardless of their demographic characteristics. Symbolic representation refers to the idea that representatives can symbolize broader national values or principles, irrespective of actual demographics. Functional representation concerns the role of representatives in fulfilling specific functions or serving specific parts of the government or society, but does not inherently tie to demographic alignment with constituents. Therefore, the focus on reflecting constituents' demographics squarely aligns with the concept of descriptive representation.