In what way do representatives in the U.S. political system often differ from those in parliamentary systems?

In the U.S. political system, representatives indeed often differ from those in parliamentary systems in that their constituents are typically more localized. This is because, in the U.S., members of Congress are elected from specific geographical districts, ensuring that they represent localized interests of the voters in those areas. Each district has its demographics, needs, and preferences, which the representative must address to gain support during elections.

In contrast, parliamentary systems usually have representatives that may not be tied to specific geographic constituencies in the same way since political parties choose candidates from broader party lists. This distinction allows U.S. representatives to focus their efforts on local concerns, fostering direct accountability and responsiveness to the needs of their specific constituents. This localized representation is crucial in understanding how the structure and electoral processes influence political behavior and public policy in different systems.