"My job is not to represent Washington to you, but to represent you to Washington"

This quote by Barack Obama highlights the significance of the function of a representative in government. He is stating that his task is not to be a mouthpiece for the federal government, but to be a voice for the people. He is acknowledging that the people have a right to be heard which it is his responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard in Washington. He is also emphasizing the value of the people's opinions and viewpoints in the decision-making procedure. He is stating that he exists to represent the people's interests and to guarantee that their views are taken into consideration. This quote is a suggestion that individuals are the ones who eventually have the power to form the government and the policies that are implemented. It is a pointer that representatives should always bear in mind the people they are representing which their voices must be heard.