### Representation & Democracy Satisfaction Gap

This study examines how alignment or misalignment of citizens' policy preferences with elite decision-making affects perceptions of democratic quality.

#### Data & Methods

Using survey data from the American National Election Studies alongside experimental analysis, we track satisfaction metrics across different congruence scenarios.

### Key Findings: The Congruence Effect

* Citizens report significantly higher satisfaction when their policy preferences align with elite decisions.

* This perception gap is most pronounced among politically engaged citizens.

#### Implications

Understanding this relationship provides crucial insights into democratic stability and representation theory.