4 Distinct Points
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Josh Devos
Assess the factors that influence the votes of members of Congress (15):
Political Party:
Party votes are votes that are clearly split on ideological lines, with both parties towing the line.
Party votes are becoming more common practice now due to the increased polarization of the
parties.
The polarization of the parties is due to gerrymandered districts in the house, as well as the Tea
Party challenge for Republicans in the Senate.
EX: In 2011, 75.8% of all votes in the House were split on ideological lines.
This is an extortionate figure and it has massively increased recently, this has lead to gridlock and
public dissatisfaction with Congress (9% approval rating in 2011 poll)
Link: Members of congress will toe the party line due to the role of the whips as well as receiving
perks from the party leadership (for those who are looking to defect/ sitting on the fence)
However, there are occasions whereby party members will not toe the line, this is due to them
representing their districts interests in order to stay incumbent.
Certain factions within the party will disagree with the leadership and possibly vote against many
of it’s decisions.
EX: Blue Dog Democrats tend to vote more conservatively as they represent a more conservative
faction within the Democratic party.
Link: Political party will generally only influence votes of members who identify with the party and
share similar ideological beliefs. This is not the case for all Democrats/Republicans.
Constituents: (More so in the House than Senate):
Possibly the most important factor that affects voting in the HOUSE is constituents.
Members of the house are more delegate-like due to more frequent elections.
Since members of the house are voted in every 2nd year, they are more likely to be held
accountable by their district.
House representatives are clearly influenced by their constituents – shown in large number of pork
barrel spending which benefits their constituents and leads to House incumbency.
Senators are less likely to be influenced by their constituents as they have much less frequent
elections and are therefore more delegate-like in their approach, however, they are still influenced
to an extent people do not vote for ‘carpetbaggers’ such as Liz Cheney in Wyoming or those who
do not frequently go back to visit their states like Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina, get voted out.
Members will also refer to the Cook Partisan Voting Index which indicates how ‘partisan’ a district
may be.
Link: Members of congress will consider how their constituents may feel about certain votes in
Congress and in order to stay incumbent, many will abstain or vote against something that may be
in the nation’s best interest.
Pressure Groups and Donors – Money in politics:
It is clear that money plays an influential part in Washington and the way that many vote.
Donors will contribute to a member of Congress in order to influence how they vote.
Money will affect a member of congress’ campaign due to it’s ability to buy adverts and provide
more travel. The money can also be used to criticize opponents.
Pressure groups can lobby by making direct contact with the member, as well as organizing their
own rallies, making phone calls, providing evidence to committees and engage in fundraising
themselves.
EX: In 2012, 95% of candidates who spent the most money, won.
Link: This stat shows how money can affect a member’s campaign.
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