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At the grassroots of representation: District work of MPs in Germany

French Politics volume 14, pages 469–485 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

German MPs spend a substantial amount of time in their home districts. Based on observation and interview data, this article aims to understand both the motivation and the effects of district work in Germany. The institutional setting of the German political system provides various incentives for MPs to conduct district work. What results from them is investigated by analyzing the activities in the district, MPs different communication styles, their casework, their party events and the influence of mandate types on MP behavior. Discussing how the activities in the district and those in parliament are related shows how crucial this link is for understanding modern representative democracies. Thus, in studying parliaments, a broad focus is in order.

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Figure 1

Source: CITREP, 618 observed events

Figure 2

Source: CITREP, 536 observed events

Figure 3

Source: CITREP, 536 observed events

Figure 4

Source: CITREP, 67 interviews and 146 interview statements; MPs could mention more than one

Figure 5

Source: CITREP, 479 observed events

Figure 6

Source: CITREP, 535 observed events

Figure 7

Source: CITREP, 62 interviews

Figure 8

Source: CITREP, 62 interviews

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  1. Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany

    Sven T. Siefken

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  1. Sven T. Siefken
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Siefken, S.T. At the grassroots of representation: District work of MPs in Germany. Fr Polit 14, 469–485 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41253-016-0013-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41253-016-0013-6

Keywords

  • representation
  • MPs
  • parliament
  • district work
  • mandate
  • Germany
  • casework