Virtual representation is the use of representatives from other localities to legislate for a particular region’s constituency. It has been used throughout history to exert control over populations, often leading to abuse of power and rebellion. Examples include the American Revolution, Latin America under Spanish rule, and the Soviet Union. Today, the United States faces criticism for its lack of voting rights for territories like the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Virtual representation is the concept by which we theoretically talk about a group of people in a government agency. Essentially, the idea involves using representatives from other localities to legislate for a particular region’s constituency. Throughout history, this concept has been used to leverage influence over controlled territories and vassal countries. Rather than providing the population with legitimate legislative or executive authority, the supervisory power will decide what it deems appropriate. Generally, this leads to the abuse of leadership rather than the ruling body doing what is in the best interest of the subjugated populace.
Throughout world history, virtual representation has been used to make decisions for population groups in various countries and governments on a domestic and foreign platform. Some segments of society have been talked about often, but have failed to get representatives elected or appointed. A prime example of this is the female population of many countries. Leadership often claims to do what is appropriate for women, even though these women do not have the right to choose their own leaders. One such country is Saudi Arabia, which does not provide women’s suffrage.
The concept of virtual representation can often lead to rebellion or conflict by the affected population group. One of the most famous examples of this occurred in the late 1700s when the 13 American colonies were denied representation in the British Parliament. When the colonists coined the phrase “no taxation without representation,” the British responded by passing the Declaratory Act in 1766, legislation which stipulated that the actions of Parliament were effectively virtual and legally binding representation. This disparity among the population helped lead to the American Revolution.
Britain was not alone when it came to using the concept of virtual representation during the heyday of its empire. Nearly every great power has at one time or another used the concept to create laws and mandates that impact its controlled territories and populations. Spain was notorious for the practice throughout Latin America when it controlled much of the Southwestern Hemisphere, a fact which eventually led to revolution throughout the region. The Soviet Union also practiced virtual representation during the height of its power, restricting the activity of party members from outlying areas.
Today, the United States itself faces criticism from many fronts regarding the practice of virtual representation in its territories. While areas like the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have delegates appointed to Congress, these members of the legislature do not have the right to vote on issues that impact the country. This is despite the fact that the constituency of territories has many of the responsibilities of American citizens, such as paying federal taxes. The District of Columbia has even set up license plates that read “Taxation Without Representation” as a form of protest.
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