Representation Continued: Constituent Relations

Group Questions Why would anyone run for Congress? Given those motivations, how can we the people ensure that members of Congress pay attention to their constituents?

Why would someone run for Congress? Patriotism Power and ego Policy goals Political career ambition

How can you ensure that MC’s pay attention to their constituents? Choose people of good character Strict anti-corruption rules Align their personal interests with the interests of their constituents

The re-election motive Must get re-elected to further any other goals Must act in ways that will get them re-elected

Considerations Who will vote for you? Who will oppose you? What can you do to help keep your job?

Fenno’s four constituencies: Who will vote for you? Fenno’s four constituencies: Geographic Re-election Primary Personal

Who does an MC worry most about? Potential opponents Balance Attentive and Inattentive publics

So what do they do? Allocation of resources Staff Budget Time

So what do they do? Allocation of resources Particularized benefits Explaining Advertising Credit Claiming Position Taking

Given re-election motive, Congress as an institution will… Be an ombudsman Expresses constituency preferences, not necessarily national preferences Engage more often in legislative activities that help re-election Legislation will contain particularized benefits Serve organized groups more than unorganized groups Express symbolic policy preferences, not necessarily follow through