Congressional Elections

Free-Write Write a short essay discussing what constitutes good representation, in your mind. What characteristics of a representative would make you feel like he or she should do a good job representing you and your interests? What behavior should a good representative engage in? When, if ever, should a representative put his constituents’ interests aside and think of the greater good? You will turn this essay in for participation credit.

Values associated with representation Looking like me, having my background –“Symbolic representation” Rep. uses own judgment to act on my behalf –“Representative-as-delegate” Doing exactly what I would do –“Representative as agent” Communication with me

Questions to consider: Who do Members of Congress represent? Do congressional elections ensure accountable representatives? What kinds of candidates do elections favor?

Rules governing election to Congress The Constitution

Constitution: election to the House of Representatives Election every 2 years Must be 25 years old Citizenship for 7 years Live in the state Selected same way as largest house of state legislature (popular vote) Apportioned among states based on population

Constitution: election to the Senate Election every 6 years –Three Classes Must be at least 30 years old Citizen for 9 years Live in the state Selected by state legislatures 2 per state

Rules governing election to Congress The Constitution Single-member, winner-take all districts Reapportionment and redistricting Primary election laws –Open vs. Closed FECA

Federal Election Campaign Act (as amended by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002) Contribution limit (individuals) = $2000 Total cycle contribution limit = $95,000 Contribution limit (PACs) = $5000

How do voters decide? Heuristics: Party ID Name recognition Incumbency!

Sources of incumbent advantage Voters recognize their name Gerrymandering Privileges of office Ease of raising money

How do voters decide? Heuristics Campaigns

Cost of campaigns 2000 House: Ave. expenditures: $693,952 Incumbents’ ave. expenditures: $814,507 Challengers’ ave. expenditures: $369,823

Where does money come from?

Budget of a typical House campaign

Median Voter Theorem Assume that Ideology and issue positions are normally distributed in the population In a winner-take-all system, candidates will try to get one more vote than the other candidate by moving toward the center. Goal is to win over the “median voter”

Who gets elected? White men

Who gets elected? White men Lawyers Christians Previously elected officials

Questions to consider: What kinds of candidates does this system of elections favor? Do you think these elections produce people who are representative of the whole population? Do they produce people who can represent the whole population well? Do these elections have the potential to hold members accountable to their constituents?