UNIT 4 - CONGRESS

pp. 352-363

Representatives and Senators

Introduction

The framers of the Constitution conceived of Congress as the center of policymaking in America.

In recent years, Congress has been the true center of power in Washington.

The movement of legislation through the congressional labyrinth has never been more complicated, and just finding time to debate the issues has become difficult.

The Job

Despite public perceptions, hard work is one of the most prominent characteristics of a member of Congress’ job.

Usually on about 6 different committees and subcommittees (HoR); and about 10 for a Senator.

Attractions – power; making key decisions; salary and perks

The People

535 members of Congress Members of the House – 25; American

citizen for 7 years; must be residents of the states from which they are elected.

Senators – 30; American citizens for 9 years; must be residents of the states from which they are elected.

The People Continued…

Mostly come from high status occupations (business and law).

Minorities are not well represented. Women are the most underrepresented

demographic in Congress. Descriptive representation – mirroring

their constituents Substantive representation –

representing the interests of groups

Who Wins?

Incumbents – already hold office HoR – 90%+ of incumbents win with more

than 60% of the vote Senate – have a better than equal chance,

but not re-elected as often as incumbents from HoR (Figure 12.1)

Reason – an entire state is almost always more diverse than a congressional district and thus provides more of a base for opposition

Advantages of Incumbents Voters are not very aware of how their

senators and reps actually vote Members of Congress do not gain or

lose very much from the fluctuation of the economy.

Members of Congress engage in 3 primary activities – advertising, credit claiming and position taking.

Advertising

Mostly takes place between elections and takes the form of contact with the constituents.

Credit Claiming

Casework – helping constituents cut through bureaucratic red tape

Pork barrel – expenditures on federal projects, grants and contracts for cities.

Rarely pass up the chance to increase federal spending in their state or district.

Pork Barrel

Government, Politics & Diplomacy) Slang chiefly US a bill or project requiring considerable government spending in a locality to the benefit of the legislator's constituents who live there.

Position Taking

Must engage in position taking on matters of public policy when they vote on issues and when they respond to constituents‘ questions about where they stand on issues.

The position may make a difference in the outcome of an election, esp. if the issues are salient to voters and their stands.

Defeating Incumbents

If an incumbent is tarnished by scandal or corruption

Reapportionment after a federal census

Money $$$

Although most of the money spent in congressional elections comes from individuals, 30% of the funds raised by candidates for Congress comes from PACs

Each PAC is limited to an expenditure of $5,000 per candidate (loopholes???)