Explain And Analyse 3 Ways Rational Theory Could Be Used To Study How Members Of Congress And Parliament Vote Within Their Respective Legislators

Question 1

What are the three ways rational theory is used to show how Congress + parl vote within their legislatures?

Answer 1

-party discipline
-representative democracy
-different voting patterns

Question 2

How is party discipline shown in the US?

Answer 2

-weak - party whips power enforce party unity is limited - no party line to follow

Question 3

How does the separation of powers perpetuate this?

Answer 3

-prevent party leaders offering gov positions to members of Congress in exchange for support

Question 4

How is this different to the senate?

Answer 4

-in senate party leaders determine which senators serve in committees
-enclaves senators follow party directions - incentive

Question 5

What is an example of this?

Answer 5

-2018-19 democrats cohered around their opposition to Trumps border wall to maintain unity during longest gov shutdown

Question 6

What does this example show?

Answer 6

-party leader rational theory to use power of persuasion convince Congress support agenda

Question 7

How is party discipline seen in the UK?

Answer 7

-National manifesto MPs follow + promote
-whips ensure MPs stay loyal + vote way leaders dictate

Question 8

How do whips do this?

Answer 8

• 3 line whip - party leader expects all MPs turn up + vote certain way
  -wielding power in terms of ‘carrots + sticks’

Question 9

How do backbenchers fit into party discipline?

Answer 9

-‘tow the party line’ to advance their careers to be promoted to front bench
-rational need to succeed

Question 10

How do frontbenchers uphold this with example?

Answer 10

-front bench ministerial responsibility
-2004 Blunkett resigned after using influence expedite visa application

Question 11

What does this example show?

Answer 11

-took responsibility for actions + resigned

Question 12

How does representative democracy show this in the US?

Answer 12

-burkean theory where officials represent their voters + free to act in their interests once elected

Question 13

What are the broader implications of this?

Answer 13

-broader implications of votes - how legislation aligns with party principles as national interests
-balance desires of constituents with what they believe is right

Question 14

What is an example of this?

Answer 14

-many Dems supported ACA - expand healthcare access + improve public health
-constituents concerned about costs

Question 15

What did this lead to?

Answer 15

-Representative Stupak for Michigan backlash for supporting ACA due to abortion funding concerns
-voted in favour of bill as thought benefit nation long term

Question 16

How is representative democracy shown in the UK for this?

Answer 16

-mandate theory
-officials represent + carry out party policy + manifesto - party loyalty

Question 17

What is the downside of this?

Answer 17

-most officials leave party elected to
-to stand in same constituency for a diff party or independent

Question 18

What is an example of this?

Answer 18

-2019 Frank Field left lab + stood independent for Birkenhead
-defeated in old safe lab seat

Question 19

How does this show the rational choice?

Answer 19

-rational decision to advance party decisions on own terms but failed
-perhaps more radical

Question 20

How is this shown in voting patterns in the US?

Answer 20

-factions/groupings in congress
-Freedom Caucus - republican
-congressional progressive caucus - democrats

Question 21

What do they do?

Answer 21

-vote together
-strategic to serve collective interests

Question 22

What is an example of this?

Answer 22

-both moderate dems + repubs together to support bipartisan infrastructure bill
-invest infrastructure lead to job creation + econ growth

Question 23

How does this show rational theory?

Answer 23

-rational to align votes to enhance political standing + what’s best for nation

Question 24

How are these voting patterns seen in the UK?

Answer 24

-HoC - some MPs choose vote with colleagues based on ideology

Question 25

What is an example of this?

Answer 25

-members of EDG within cons align with Brexit party
-hardline approach leaving EU + reducing influence of European regulations