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Decker, H.M. (2016) How institutional frameworks impact on political representation - the case of sub-local government in Munich. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This thesis examines how institutional frameworks impact on political repre-sentation. It looks at the links and relationships that exist between political institutions and political representation, and explores how institutions shape the role and behaviour of elected representatives.

Institutional frameworks are comprised of institutions which include a great variety of rules. Some rules were intentionally designed and formally described in laws and policies. Others developed informally over time as practices and conventions. The thesis argues that formal and informal rules, individually and in combination, impact on political action. Political representation is about action. It is about how elected representatives act for the represented, and about whether the ‘acting’ is in the interest of the represented. The thesis argues that formal and informal rules influence the actions of representatives and thereby shape political representation.

This thesis is a qualitative case study of sub-local government in the city of Munich in Bavaria, Germany. It builds upon ‘new institutionalism’ and inves-tigates what the institutions of sub-local government in Munich are, and what their role is with respect to the actions of elected representatives. The thesis looks at both how institutions shape the actions of representatives and at how representatives create and shape these institutions.

Based on its empirical findings, the thesis generates theories and hypotheses as to how political institutions and political behaviour influence each other. The thesis reflects on the significance of the findings for representative government in Munich and, more broadly, for democratic outcomes at the local and sub-local level.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Lowndes, Vivien Heywood, Paul
Keywords:	New institutionalism, political representation, local government, sub-local government
Subjects:	J Political science > JS Local government. Municipal government
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Politics and International Relations
Item ID:	38756
Depositing User:	Decker, Harald
Date Deposited:	19 Jan 2017 14:46
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2017 17:29
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/38756

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