(factor) effects MOCs voting behaviour more than others Flashcards
constituency
-fixed term elections mean MOCs are highly sensitive to their constituents needs, the are ‘single minded seekers of re-election’ so by voting in a way that is consistent with their constituents they are likely to be re-elected
-manchin voted against the build back better bill because of its implications for his coal state of west virginia
-even those in safe seats must deliver ‘pork’ e.g. in the silicon valley area of california democrats managed to secure an extra $100 million of funding underground rail
constituency evaluation
Because the US uses first past the post, a significant minority in each district (House) and state (Senate) are often left without representation. To illustrate, Ted Cruz, Senator for Texas, won his 2018 re-election battle by 50%-48%, meaning liberal voters in the state are not
represented in relation to issues such as abortion, the environment, and immigration policy. MOCs are likely to better represent constituents who make up their support base or are ‘swing voters.’
party
-although ‘all politics is local’, MOCs are still members of a party
-party leaders encourage discipline, the senate majority leader controls the voting schedule in both chambers (essentially controlling who gets to deliver ‘pork’)
-mcconnell rewarded cruz’s loyalty by topping up the NASA budget
-toeing the party line has increased in recent decades too, MOCs now vote with their party most of the time, whereas in the 1980s it was only about 70% of the time
party evaluation
Party leaders cannot control the more ‘radical’ elements of their party. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat who represents New York’s 14 th district, has clashed with party leaders over her support for a ‘Green
New Deal’, ‘Medicare for all’, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). None of
those positions are the policy of Democratic leaders in the House and Senate.
congressional caucuses
-caucuses can be significant voting blocks in congress and generally seek to advance legislation in the interest of those groups, the CBC is in tune with the democrats on voting rights, but disagrees over slavery reparations
-sometimes MOCs are more loyal to their caucus than the party itself
caucuses evaluation
Not all members of Congress belong to a caucus. This can limit the influence of a caucus, as it may not have the support or engagement of all members of Congress. For example, the House Freedom Caucus of MAGA Republicans has varied between 30-40 members in recent years. The Republicans elect over 200 members to the House – demonstrating the limited reach of the caucus.
pressure groups
-electioneering: MOCs must raise funds due to fixed term elections and mobilise voters, pressure groups can help directly or via superPACs, e.g. Rubio’s $3.3 million in donations from the NRA in 2022
-mobilising support: NRA has 5 million active members, and Planned Parenthood 17 million if MOCs consider voting against the group they may mobilise support
-iron triangles: these mean policy is pre determined in some areas
pressure groups evaluation
The increasing polarisation of American politics in recent years may also limit the influence of pressure groups. Members of Congress are becoming more ideologically distinct, making it less likely that they will be swayed by the views of pressure groups that may not align with their own views. For example, the NRA’s influence in the Democratic Party is limited to ‘Blue Dog’ conservatives. Planned Parenthood has no influence
over Republican policies on abortion.
lobbyists/ k street
-lobbying firms on k street, the wall street lobby spent $2.9 billion on the 2020 election alone funding to ensure low taxation and deregulation
-‘revolving door’ MOCs often swap their salary for much more money as a lobbyist e.g. Dick Gephardt
lobbyists evaluation
There is a cynical assumption in the above argument that MoCs are easily corruptible. Members of Congress are influenced by a variety of factors, including their own beliefs and political agenda. Lobbyists may not be able to influence principled politicians such as the independent Senator for Vermont, Bernie Sanders. Sanders is known for his opposition to corporate influence in US politics. He rejects corporate money, relies on small donations for his campaigns, and has been a strong advocate for stronger lobbying regulations.
