Every elected representative speaks for a defined group of voters. That group is the constituency—the geographic district or the body of citizens entitled to elect the official.

In single-member district systems the constituency is a territorially bounded area. In proportional systems it may be a larger region or the entire country. Representatives are expected to balance the interests of their constituents with party loyalty and national concerns. Constituency service—helping individuals navigate bureaucracy—often occupies significant time.

Boundary drawing can become highly political when it affects partisan advantage. Regular redrawing after censuses aims to keep populations roughly equal. Voters in a constituency share the same formal representative even if they disagree strongly among themselves. The quality of the link between representative and constituency is a recurring measure of democratic health.

• Body of voters represented by an official
• Usually a geographic district
• Basis for electoral accountability
• Subject to periodic boundary revision