4-2: Congressional Elections

Big Ideas: Constitutionalism Civic Participation in a Representative Democracy

Enduring Understandings: The republican ideal in the U. S Enduring Understandings: The republican ideal in the U.S. is manifested in the structure and operation of the legislative branch. The impact of federal policies on campaigning and electoral rules continue to be contested by both sides of the political spectrum.

Learning Objectives: Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government. Explain how the different processes work in U.S. congressional elections.

Background House elections—every 2 years Senate elections—1/3 every 2 years 6-year term Victory requires a plurality Winner-take-all Single-member districts Senate elections are bigger and more competitive No term limits

Incumbency Factor Overview Incumbent—seeking reelection Safe seats 90% of House members usually reelected 75% of Senators usually reelected States more diverse than districts High-profile candidates During the last 50 years, incumbency has been the single most important factor in determining the outcome of congressional elections.

Incumbency Factor Reasons Money PACs contribute to incumbents 10:1 ratio Visibility Constituent Service Casework Pork/Earmarks Franking Gerrymandering Partisanship Pork is legislation that allows representatives to bring money and jobs to their district. Incumbents often sit on committees that enable them to earmark, or designate, specific projects for their district. Pork helps representatives earn a reputation for service to their district. The franking privilege refers to the right of members of Congress to mail newsletters to their constituents at the government’s expense. Within recent years, members of Congress have extended the franking privilege to include emails and recorded phone calls. Members of the House often represent districts that have been deliberately gerrymandered to include voting blocs that support incumbents. Gerrymandered districts discourage strong challengers from trying to compete with incumbents.

Consequences Experienced leaders Discourages change No campaign finance reform Low congressional approval

Defeating Incumbents Redistricting—loss of home district Scandals Unpopular president Challenger “rides the coattails” of the opponent