Chapter 12 Study Guide

-It is very difficult to become a part of Congress. They deal with many complex issues such as abortion and nuclear warfare on a random basis and barely find time to debate and look over legislation that people like the president want passed. Despite all the trouble and stress that comes with the job, many people want the position.

-The advantage of power( they control many aspects of public policy)
-A salary of about 4 times the income of a typical American
-Generous retirement benefits
-Office space in Washington
-A congressional staff that serve individual members, committees, and party leaders.
-Travel allowances
-"Franking Privileges"- the free use of the mail system to communicate with constituents and machines that duplicate a members signature in real ink
-Plenty of small privileges (IE. free flowers, free gym privileges)

-There are 535 members of Congress

-You must be 25 years old and been an American citizen for seven years

-You must be at least 30 years old and an American citizen for nine years
***All members of Congress must be residents in the states in which they represent

-representing constituents by mirroring their personal, politically relevant characteristics

-representing the interests of groups
**Members of Congress engage in this form of representation most often

-They are held every two years. 1/3rd of the Senate is up for re-election for 6 year long terms. All of the house of reps. is up for re-election and they hold a term for two years. *Also see notes on reapportionment
-They are known to be expensive, demanding, and they generally forgo conclusions.

-Another name for those who already hold an office. In congressional elections, incumbents usually win.

Incumbents usually win

-The theories:
One reason is that voters think they know how their elected representatives vote on important policy issues and agree with their stands.
-Voter assessments of presidential candidates influence their voting for Congress. "Coattails" (when voters support congressional candidates because of their support for the president)
-The real reasons
-Advertising: The Goal is visibility. They often make frequent trips home so that they can personally see their constituents and stay in the public eye so that when it comes time for re-election they will be remembered.
- Credit Claiming: This involves enhancing their standing with constituents through service to individuals and the district.
-Position taking
-Weak Opponents
-Campaign spending

-The mighty list of federal projects, grants, and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions in a congressional district.

-Activities of members of Congress that help constituents as individuals; cutting through bureaucratic "red tape" to get people what they think they have a right to get.
***Major goal of congressman is to serve the constituency!

-Members of Congress must engage in position taking on issues when they vote, and when they respond to constituents questions. *More relevant to the Senate than to the House.

-the individuals who do no run against incumbents are usually not well known or well qualified and lack experience, and they lack organizational and financial backing.
**The lack of adequate campaign funds is also hard for the challengers because they need more money to compensate for the "free" recognition incumbents receive from their advertising and credit claiming.