Table of Contents
CONGRESS
How the theories view Congress:
Democratic theory: Congress is a democratic mechanism where the Congress “represents” the people and where discussion leads to consensus on issues. Congress also provides multiple access points to “the public”.
Plural theory: Congress is the arena--- dominated by bargaining, accommodation, and compromise-- where interests have multiple access points to the process of policymaking.
Evidence to use in assessing the theories:
There are 4 major aspects of Congress which we will explore:
Representation vs. Lawmaking
Types of Representation:
PPT Slide
Descriptive Characteristics of Congresspersons
Occupational Characteristics of Congresspersons:
Symbolic and Substantive Representation
What are the key factors influencing how Congress operates?
Congressional Role Categories:
Interest group: facilitator neutral resistor
Bureaucratic role: executive-oriented agency-oriented
b) “The Unwritten Rules of the Game in Congress”
Specialization
Apprenticeship
Show Horse vs. Work horse
Courtesy
Reciprocity
Honesty
Institutional Patriotism
Congressional/ Presidential Relations
The Pendulum of Power Between Congress and the President
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Author: Department of Political Science
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