Final answer:
Descriptive representation emphasizes symbolism, while substantive representation focuses on pursuing the interests of specific groups of people. Symbolic representation is a form of substantive representation that uses symbolic gestures and actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Descriptive representation is the extent to which a body of representatives represents the descriptive characteristics of their constituencies, such as class, race, ethnicity, and gender. It focuses on the symbolic aspects of representation, emphasizing the importance of having representatives who share similar characteristics with their constituents. Substantive representation, on the other hand, focuses on the actions and policies pursued by representatives to advance the interests of specific groups of people. It goes beyond symbolism and highlights the substance of representation. Symbolic representation is a form of substantive representation that uses symbolic gestures and actions to address the concerns and needs of specific groups, providing psychological reassurance to constituents that representatives are working in their interest.
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