congress

Question 1

6 influences on voting in congress

Answer 1

political parties
constituents
pressure groups
administration
colleagues
personal beliefs

Question 2

how does a congresspersons political party influence the way they vote

Answer 2

-parties are far less centralised than in the uk
-constiuents control the selection of candidates through primaries so are more considerate
-subjection to election biannually holds them accountable

Question 3

example of political parties influencing vote

Answer 3

a vote on 9/11 recommendations implementation taken in 2004; majority of republicans votes yes 231-8 and dem voted no 69-125

Question 4

how does constituents influence voting in congress

Answer 4

-congresspersons should be residents of the state they represent
-some further state they must reside in the district they represent
-use variety of methods to understand those they represent via phone calls, visits, town hall meetings, radio meetings
-however local opinion is still likely to be divided

Question 5

example of cosntiuents influencing voting behaviour in congress

Answer 5

2008 senator Dole lost re-election by failing to be attentive to the wishes of North Carolina constituents

Question 6

how do pressure groups influence voting behaviour in congress

Answer 6

-insider contact with members
-generate public support of congresspersons constituents favourable to their position
-provide evidence, organise rallies and engage in funding
-money raised will be used to support politicians

Question 7

powers congress has given itself

Answer 7

-illegal to lie to congress
-hold individuals in contempt if they fail to comply with congress demands for information
-demand documents and testimony