electoral incentives and public option within their constituency Flashcards
What is one of the most important factors influencing voting behaviour within Congress?
How they believe their vote will affect their likelihood of winning the next election
What risk do Congresspersons face if they do not take into account public opinion within their constituency?
Failing to be reelected
How often do House elections take place?
Every 2 years
What effect does the proximity of an election have on voting behaviour?
It becomes more important
What might Congresspersons do if they represent a marginal seat with voters supporting the opposite party?
Vote against the party line
Which two House Democrats voted against impeachment and why?
Jared Dolden and Collin Peterson; they represented districts that voted for Trump in 2016
Why has Democrat Senator Joe Manchin often voted with Republicans?
He represents West Virginia, which supported Trump in both 2016 and 2020
What significant vote did Joe Manchin cast in 2018?
Key vote to confirm Republican Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh
What was the outcome of Joe Manchin’s failure to support Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ Bill?
The bill failed to pass the Senate
What was a major reason many of Manchin’s Republican constituents opposed the ‘Build Back Better’ Bill?
Opposition to significant state spending
What can force Congresspersons/Senators to vote along with the party even if they oppose it?
Party loyalty and pressure
How many Republicans in the House supported the second impeachment of Trump in 2022?
Only 10 Republicans
What influence does having a safer seat have on a Congressperson’s voting behaviour?
More likely to vote against the party line
What might convince Congresspersons with safer seats to vote with the party?
Threat of a primary challenge
Fill in the blank: The closer an election is, the __________ it becomes for Congresspersons to consider public opinion.
More important
