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pp. 352-363 Representatives and Senators. Unit 4 - Congress. 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.
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pp. 352-363 Representatives and Senators Unit 4 - Congress
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) Slangchiefly 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???)
