This chapter traces how the idea of representation came to influence and structure debate over the creation of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Representation was the most contentious topics at the Constitutional Convention and during the ratification process. The ratification debates embody the integration of political theory with institutional design, as the Anti-Federalists and Federalists expressed deep disagreement over the theory of representation, and, consequently, the design of the House of Representatives and its ability to fulfill its representative function. The tension between the delegate and trustee theories of representation provides a framework for understanding the challenge of politically navigating the tradeoff between adequate representation and legislative efficiency. Unfortunately, the Constitution did little to resolve the debate, and the nature and scope of representation needed resolution through the politics of reapportionment.