PSC102 State and Local Government: Unit 3 DB: State Legislators: Trustees or Delegates?, POST University, August 2025

                                        PSC102 State and Local Government: 

                               Unit 3 DB: State Legislators: Trustees or Delegates? 

 

In this unit we learned about the differences between legislators who serve as trustees to their constituents and those who serve as delegates to their constituents.  Explain which one you think would better serve your state and why you feel that way. 

In the context of California government, the terms "delegate" and "trustee" refer to different models of representation, describing how elected officials approach their decision-making responsibilities. A delegate primarily acts based on the expressed wishes of their constituents, essentially mirroring their views, while a trustee relies on their own judgment and expertise to make decisions they believe are in the best interest of their constituents and the larger community, even if those decisions differ from popular opinion. 

Here's a more detailed explanation: 

Delegate: 

• Elected officials who adopt the delegate model see themselves as agents of their constituents. 
• They prioritize representing the will and preferences of the people who elected them. 
• Delegates may feel obligated to vote in accordance with the majority opinion of their district, even if it conflicts with their own personal views. 
• This approach emphasizes responsiveness and accountability to the electorate.  

Trustee: 

• Elected officials who adopt the trustee model prioritize using their own judgment and knowledge to make decisions. 
• They believe their constituents chose them because they trust their ability to make informed decisions. 
• Trustees may consider public opinion, but they ultimately make decisions based on what they believe is best for the long-term interests of their constituents and the larger community. 
• This approach emphasizes expertise and a focus on the greater good  

Delegates: 

California has a large number of delegates who represent the state at their respective party's national conventions. For instance, California sends 496 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. These delegates are entrusted to represent the voters in their community or state and participate in nominating the party's presidential candidate 

Trustees: 

• Trustees in Government Bodies: California utilizes the concept of trustees within specific government entities. A notable example is the Board of Trustees for the State Bar of California. This board is comprised of appointed members (attorneys and public members) who, according to the trustee model, are entrusted to make decisions for the good of the group they represent, relying on their own judgment and expertise. 
• Fiduciary Role in Trusts: Within the legal framework of trusts, California designates individuals as trustees who hold a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the trust's beneficiaries. This role involves managing trust assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets as outlined in the trust document, emphasizing prudent judgment and adherence to legal requirements. 

 

Based on these descriptions, it sounds like both positions are needed for a huge variety of needs in the very large state. These positions allow a variety of people to participate in the govenment in a variety of ways to help out their local residents.