US Congress - Topic 2.2.1

Question 1

Why is constituency representation important in Congress?

Answer 1

Each member of the House of Representatives is elected to represent their number of constituents. Each representative is chosen to represent their interests. Senators represent the entire state and the entire state’s interests and views.

Question 2

Why is party representation important in Congress?

Answer 2

Most party members, when it’s the primaries, candidates run on a party-primary basis. Most congressional members are either Democrat or Republican, with very few independents. (Contract with America - 1994). Each representative is there to represent their party’s umbrella interests and ideology. There are factions within the parties that have differing ideas and philosophies.

Question 3

Why is functional representation important in Congress?

Answer 3

The representation of social and economic groups through the membership of Congress.

Question 4

What is different between descriptive and functional representation?

Answer 4

Descriptive representation:

• The political belief that those elected should not only represent the beliefs of their constituents but also those that they share characteristics with (age, gender, race, religion etc.)

Functional representation:

• The political belief that those elected should represent social or economic groups within the wider community. This could be done through lobbying or pressure groups that represent the views of under-represented groups in Congress

Question 5

What is the importance of congressional caucuses?

Answer 5

Congressman and women can join a caucus to fight for an industry, people group or ideology. By banding together and creating a bigger united voice, the impact in Congress is bigger than if someone was on there own.

Question 6

What is the difference between congressional electoral caucuses?

Answer 6

Congressional caucuses:

• United by a single or an umbrella group of views but don’t necessarily vote together on every topic or policy issues that don’t concern that caucus

Caucuses in elections:

• A part of the ‘primaries and caucuses’ section of the lead up to the presidential election; in a town-hall style meeting, all those in attendance can vote for who they like to be on the ballot.