Principal-Agent problem as it applies to representative democracies

[autisticdragonkin]

Modern representative democracies face an example of the principal-agent problem wherein the representatives have their own interests independent of their representatives. This can lead to problems wherein the political system favors incumbent representatives as opposed to opposition members or representees. What are possible solutions to this?

 

[Hat]

What are possible solutions to this?

Actually show up and vote for the candidate that best represents your interests.

 

[autisticdragonkin]

Actually show up and vote for the candidate that best represents your interests.

The point of this discussion is not voter turnout but rather that there is a structural problem with representative democracies in which there is a disparity between the interests of representatives and representees

 

[Marvin]

You can't represent someone else's interests 100% because there are opportunity costs involved.

You could argue that if people aren't motivated enough to vote the incumbents out of office, then the political system has done its job. The people are happy enough with the status quo that they're not willing to waste an afternoon voting.

I don't see this as an inherent problem.