The Paradox of
Voting
E(V) = pb - C (+ D)*
You only vote when the benefits outweigh the cost.
According to Ricker and Ordeshook, (this is solved by?) the personal satisfaction of performing civic duty
E(V) = likelihood of voting
p = probability
B = benefits
C = cost
D = the personal satisfaction of performing civic duty
How Legislatures Differ
- Electoral rules create very different legislatures (in terms of what they look like and the policies that come from them)
- Level of minority representation
- Effective number of parties
Level of Minority Representation
You get different levels based on the rules you have.
*District based systems tend to be higher
FPP elections lead to majority group candidates
Attempts to increase minority representation in the U.S:
- Majority minority districts (mixed effect on substantive representation, complaints of unfairness)
Earmarks
Comes from geographic representation
In a bill, getting something beneficial added on for your district.
Leads to a lot of spending
How to Improve Representation
Multi-member districts
- Cumulative voting
- 3 seats up, vote for 3 candidates as opposed to splitting them into districts
District Magnitude
The number of representatives from each district
The greater the magnitude, the fewer the voters winners need
The fewer the votes you need, the greater amount of parties
Proportional Representation Equation
District magnitude - size of legislature
Duverger’s Law
In political systems with single-member districts and first past the post voting, only 2 powerful political parties tend to control power.
small/weaker parties must form coalitions so votes aren’t split away from them
What affects the cost of elections?
Time, place, and manner of elections affect the “cost”
Plurality Rule
Whoever gets the most votes wins, even if it is not a majority
(first past the post)
Simple Majority Rule
Whoever gets the majority wins
Often involves runoffs
Hill Style
Workhorses vs showhorses
Committee work
Party work
Caucus work
How Congress Members Are Different
Not descriptively representative
Richer, older, more educated, more white, more male
What Members of Congress Do
Legislator
Constituent service
Representative
Leader
Party member
Legislator Role
(BIWG D)
Going to committees
Specializing on a few issue ares
Deciding which issues to champion
Taking briefings from staff or interest groups
Deciding to vote on issues
Constituency Servant Role
Gathering “pork”
Greasing the wheels of the government
Acting as a liaison
Protecting opportunities to engage in lucrative behavior
Mentor-Communicator/Representative Role
Listening to Constituents views
Explaining how Congress works
Explaining the tough vote
Other Roles
Protecting/getting the party majority
Being/becoming leader
Thinking about a higher office
Congress Schedules
Senate: 3 weeks on/1 week off
House: Tuesday/Thursday club
Fenno’s Constituencies
Geographic - The broadest circle is that of the geographic district, encompassing all potential voters and regions;
Reelection - The next circle consists of the electoral supporters–“who is likely to vote for me?”;
Primary - The next circle is the primary supporters–“who is actually going to do work for me?”;
Personal - The smallest circle is the candidate’s intimates–family, close friends, and trusted advisers.
Delegate vs. Trustee
Congress members have to decide which to be
Delegate - do what your constituents would do if they were there
Trustee - do what your constituents would do if they knew as much as you do
Methods of Getting Incumbent Message Out
Easier for incumbents
Free outlets - the media, the frank
Leadership Structure in House
Speaker
Majority/minority leaders
Majority/minority whips
Committee chair
House Speaker
Constitutionally mandated to exist.
Technically not a partisan position.
Assigns bills
Determines committee members
Jobs:
- procedural
- administrative
- political (negotiating across the aisle)
