To instruct is to direct a representative how to vote.
1828. We have too much respect for the legislature of Kentucky to suppose that they meant to bind the delegation by an instruction.—Virginia Administration Address: Richmond Whig, Feb. 16, p. 1/2.
1841. Resolved, That the Hon. Reuel Williams, previous to his election to the Senate of the U.S., having declared and published that it is the duty of the elected to carry into effect the will of his constituents, if he is instructed what that will is, or resign his trust, we hereby instruct him, &c.—Resolution of the Legislature of the State of Maine: see the Congressional Globe, p. 186.
1841. Instruction is the right of a majority, petition that of a minority, or of a single individual.—Mr. Ingersoll of Pennsylvania, House of Repr., June 9: id., p. 74, App.
1862. Mr. Tyler … was in 1836 instructed out of the Senate, … having previously been very strongly sustained by the [Virginia] Legislature.—N.Y. Tribune, Jan. 22 (Bartlett).
