The theory of representative bureaucracy focuses on finding a way to legitimate the bureaucracy’s political power in the context of democratic values. The central tenet of the theory is that a bureaucracy reflecting the diversity of the community it serves is more likely to respond to the interests of all groups in making policy decisions (Krislov 1974; Selden 1997). If bureaucracies are sensitive to such a diversity of interests, and these interests are represented in bureaucratic decisions and behavior, the argument is that bureaucracy itself can be considered a representative institution. If bureaucracy is a representative institution, its long-recognized political role can be accommodated with such basic democratic values as majority rule, minority rights, and equal representation.