Question 1

Theriault and Edwards argue that politics is about ideas. Many Americans do not believe that and instead argue that most people get into politics for prestige or power. While we now know that is not an accurate characterization, the point still stands that some people do get involved in politics for themselves. Is it inherently bad that some people are in it for the wrong reasons if they still help their constituents? If so, what can be done about it if their constituents continue to elect them? Do we need to amend the constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is not inherently bad that some people get involved in politics for the wrong reasons if they still help their constituents. However, it is important to ensure that their actions and decisions are still in the best interest of the public and not solely for their own gain.

If constituents continue to elect politicians who are in it for the wrong reasons, it may be necessary to focus on educating the public about the importance of electing officials who prioritize the needs of the community over personal gain. This could involve increasing transparency and accountability in government, as well as promoting civic engagement and voter education.

Amending the constitution may not be necessary in this case, as the issue lies more with the behavior and motivations of individual politicians rather than the structure of the government itself. Instead, efforts should be made to hold elected officials accountable and to encourage a political culture that values integrity and public service.

Question 2

If we agree that most members arrive in Congress with predetermined attitudes towards whole range of policy questions, what role can constituent preferences have in shaping the actions of legislators?

Accepted Answer

While it is true that many members of Congress arrive with predetermined attitudes towards policy questions, constituent preferences still play a significant role in shaping the actions of legislators. First and foremost, constituents are the ones who ultimately hold the power to re-elect or remove their representatives from office. As such, legislators are often keenly aware of the desires and priorities of their constituents and may adjust their actions and policy positions accordingly in order to maintain their support.

Additionally, constituent preferences can also influence legislators through various forms of communication and advocacy. Constituents have the ability to voice their opinions, concerns, and priorities to their representatives through letters, phone calls, town hall meetings, and other means of engagement. This direct feedback from constituents can prompt legislators to take specific actions or positions on certain issues in order to align with the wishes of their constituents.

Furthermore, in a representative democracy, legislators are expected to act as advocates for their constituents and to consider their best interests when making decisions. While they may arrive in Congress with predetermined attitudes, they are still accountable to the people they represent and must take into account the preferences of their constituents when shaping their actions and policy positions.

In conclusion, while legislators may arrive in Congress with predetermined attitudes towards policy questions, constituent preferences still play a crucial role in shaping their actions. The power of constituents to influence their representatives through their votes, communication, and advocacy ensures that legislators must consider and respond to the desires and priorities of the people they represent.

Question 3

Was passing the seventeenth amendment a good idea? Should citizens directly elect their senators and House members? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The passing of the seventeenth amendment, which allowed for the direct election of senators by citizens, was indeed a good idea. Prior to this amendment, senators were chosen by state legislatures, which often led to corruption and political maneuvering. Allowing citizens to directly elect their senators ensures that their voices are heard and that their representatives are accountable to them.

Similarly, citizens should also directly elect their House members. This ensures that the government is truly representative of the people and that elected officials are accountable to their constituents. Direct elections also promote transparency and fairness in the political process.

Overall, the direct election of senators and House members is essential for a functioning democracy. It allows for greater citizen participation and ensures that elected officials are truly serving the interests of the people. Therefore, passing the seventeenth amendment was a positive step towards a more democratic and accountable government.

Question 4

Given that some primary elections tend to elect more extreme candidates that go on to lose in their general election, should we return to the party-centered election system where party committees and bosses chose the nominees?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Is there too much money in politics?
a. Why do most Americans not feel comforted to know that all transactions are reported online?
b. What about the fact that every election is more expensive than the last?
c. How can we restore confidence in elections if most people believe there is too much money in politics?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is there too much money in politics?
a....

Question 6

Do you agree that money is a form of speech? Why or why not?
a. What would the implications be if the Supreme Court decided money was not a form of speech?

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Question 7

What do you think is the main driver behind incumbency advantage?

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Question 8

What can be done about the large drop in turnout from presidential to midterm elections, especially with regard to the midterm electorate being older, richer, whiter, and better-educated?

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Question 9

What do Theriault and Edwards mean when they say, "politics is about ideas"? Be specific in defining what they mean and expand on their argument using supportive concepts about congressional elections and examples from throughout the material covered thus far.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Compare and contrast the role of political parties in congressional elections during the early, party-centered, era and the modern day, candidate-centered, era. Be specific about the role of the parties, what duties they fulfilled or did not, and provide examples when necessary.

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Question 11

How big of a role does recruitment play in a congressional election? Explain in what way it matters or why it does not matter. How can people be recruited to run for Congress and who tends to do the recruiting? Provide examples where possible.

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Question 12

What factors in recent years have made it harder and harder for candidates to gather the resources necessary to run an effective congressional campaign? Be sure to explain how each factor has made it harder to raise money and provide examples where necessary.

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The answer of What factors in recent years have made...

Question 13

Trace the history of campaign finance laws in the United States. No need to list all provisions of every law but be sure to include the highlights and why the law was passed (if applicable). Along the way, address why it is so difficult to regulate campaign finance and what reason the Supreme Court consistently uses to strike down provisions of campaign finance laws.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Name three things that you would consider before deciding to run for Congress.

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Question 15

What two things does Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution do with relation to congressional elections?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

The U.S. has never had a parliamentary system of government, but at times it has operated as if seats in Congress were the private patronage of local party bosses. Name two similarities between the parliamentary system and congressional elections under party bosses.

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Question 17

The unemployment rate, president's approval rating, and the number of casualties in a war are all examples of which factor of congressional elections?

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Question 18

Which of the four factors of congressional elections matters least and why?

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Question 19

It is said that the best candidate for almost any congressional race is the incumbent. List three reasons in support of this statement.

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Question 20

Why do incumbents choose to retire?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 3: Getting Elected to Congress