Congressional Decision-making: Testing Constituent Interest Versus the National Interest

Congressional Decision-making: Testing Constituent Interest Versus the National Interest
Author: Tevin Devon Wilson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 94
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

Congressional decision-making involves making representatives subject to different factors that can influence their decisions. Constituents can be an important influencer because members of Congress are sent to Washington to represent them, but the national interest can play a role on some issues. The approach of this paper takes a look at what factors influence members of Congress when they are deciding how to vote. Trade and the relationship between the United States and China are used because of the complexity of the issue and the overlap between constituency interest and the national interest. This paper theorizes that members of Congress depending on the importance of trade, with China, to their district or what committee members sit on impact their decision-making. The end result of this study shows little to no support for theories laid out in the paper, but the overall concept of the papers warranted consideration.

The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Publisher: Read Books Ltd
Total Pages: 420
Release: 2018-08-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1528785878

Classic Books Library presents this brand new edition of “The Federalist Papers”, a collection of separate essays and articles compiled in 1788 by Alexander Hamilton. Following the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, the governing doctrines and policies of the States lacked cohesion. “The Federalist”, as it was previously known, was constructed by American statesman Alexander Hamilton, and was intended to catalyse the ratification of the United States Constitution. Hamilton recruited fellow statesmen James Madison Jr., and John Jay to write papers for the compendium, and the three are known as some of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Alexander Hamilton (c. 1755–1804) was an American lawyer, journalist and highly influential government official. He also served as a Senior Officer in the Army between 1799-1800 and founded the Federalist Party, the system that governed the nation’s finances. His contributions to the Constitution and leadership made a significant and lasting impact on the early development of the nation of the United States.

Legislative Voting and Accountability

Legislative Voting and Accountability
Author: John M. Carey
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 217
Release: 2008-12-15
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1139476793

Legislatures are the core representative institutions in modern democracies. Citizens want legislatures to be decisive, and they want accountability, but they are frequently disillusioned with the representation legislators deliver. Political parties can provide decisiveness in legislatures, and they may provide collective accountability, but citizens and political reformers frequently demand another type of accountability from legislators – at the individual level. Can legislatures provide both kinds of accountability? This book considers what collective and individual accountability require and provides the most extensive cross-national analysis of legislative voting undertaken to date. It illustrates the balance between individualistic and collective representation in democracies, and how party unity in legislative voting shapes that balance. In addition to quantitative analysis of voting patterns, the book draws on extensive field and archival research to provide an extensive assessment of legislative transparency throughout the Americas.

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch
Author: Paul J. Quirk
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 618
Release: 2005-10-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0199883858

The checks and balances provided by the three branches of federal government are essential to nurturing and maintaining American democracy. With the guidance of coeditors Paul J. Quirk and Sarah A. Binder, this collection of essays examines the role of the Legislature in American democracy and the dynamic between the other branches of government, and discusses possible measures for reform. The volume addresses questions such as: How does Congress serve the values of democracy and American constitutional principles? Which conceptions of those values does it implement, and which does it overlook or fail to realize? What are Congress's strengths and weaknesses in performing the tasks of democratic governance? What reforms, if any, are necessary to ensure the health and success of Congress as an institution of democracy in the future?

Institutions of American Democracy

Institutions of American Democracy
Author: Paul J. Quirk
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 617
Release: 2005-10-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 019517285X

"The Legislative Branch examines Congress's performance as a democratic institution, identifies the forces that have shaped its development, and considers the prospects for effective reforms." "The Legislative Branch is a collection of essays by some of the nation's leading political scientists and scholars of public policy. It examines Congress's historical development; the effects of its electoral campaigns and outcomes; its internal structures, including party leadership and the committee system; its strengths and shortcomings in policymaking, including budgeting and foreign policy; its relations with the executive branch and the courts; its public support; and the dynamics of reform. Each essay analyzes long-term institutional developments, defines their implications for democratic governance, and spells out implications for reformers."--BOOK JACKET.

Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Model Rules of Professional Conduct
Author: American Bar Association. House of Delegates
Publisher: American Bar Association
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2007
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9781590318737

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

200 Questions, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies

200 Questions, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies
Author: Doris Henley Fort
Publisher: Jstone Publishing
Total Pages: 111
Release:
Genre: Study Aids
ISBN:

Are you preparing for the USCIS Civics Test and seeking a comprehensive and effective study resource? Look no further than "USCIS Citizenship Study Guide: 200 Questions, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies." This essential guide is meticulously crafted to help you navigate the complexities of the civics test with confidence and ease. Why This Guide? "USCIS Citizenship Study Guide" offers an unparalleled blend of thorough content, practical practice, and expert insights. It stands out as a go-to resource for aspiring U.S. citizens, combining 200 carefully selected questions with detailed explanations, practice tests, and invaluable strategies from experienced immigration professionals. Whether you’re starting your preparation or looking to fine-tune your knowledge, this guide provides everything you need to succeed. Inside This Guide: 200 Practice Questions: Gain access to a diverse set of practice questions that mirror the format and content of the actual USCIS Civics Test. These questions cover key areas such as U.S. history, government structure, and national symbols, ensuring you are well-prepared for every aspect of the test. Detailed Explanations: Each question is accompanied by a clear and thorough explanation, providing context and historical significance. These explanations help you understand not just the right answers, but also the underlying principles and facts that form the foundation of U.S. civics. Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulate the test-taking experience with full-length practice tests designed to mirror the real exam. These practice tests will help you gauge your readiness, manage your time effectively, and reduce test anxiety. Expert Strategies: Benefit from expert strategies and tips from immigration lawyers and past test-takers. Learn how to approach different types of questions, manage your study time efficiently, and build confidence in your test-taking abilities. How This Guide Helps: Comprehensive Preparation: By covering a wide range of topics and providing in-depth explanations, this guide ensures that you have a well-rounded understanding of U.S. civics, which is crucial for passing the test. Enhanced Learning: The combination of practice questions and detailed answers reinforces your knowledge and helps you retain important information. The practice tests are designed to help you become familiar with the test format and improve your performance. Confidence Building: Expert strategies and real-life advice provide practical tips and boost your confidence. Understanding what to expect on test day and how to approach different question types can significantly enhance your performance. Efficient Study: The structured layout and focused content make studying more efficient. With targeted practice and clear explanations, you can optimize your study time and maximize your results. Who Should Use This Guide? "USCIS Citizenship Study Guide" is ideal for anyone preparing for the USCIS Civics Test, including: Individuals Preparing for Naturalization: Those who are on their path to becoming U.S. citizens and need a reliable resource to study for the civics test. Study Groups: Groups that meet to prepare for the citizenship test can use this guide to facilitate discussion and review. Educators and Tutors: Professionals who assist others in preparing for the civics test can use this guide as a teaching resource. Whether you are a first-time test-taker or someone looking to refresh your knowledge, "USCIS Citizenship Study Guide: 200 Questions, Practice Tests, and Expert Strategies" is your comprehensive companion for achieving success on the USCIS Civics Test and moving one step closer to U.S. citizenship.

The Logic of Congressional Action

The Logic of Congressional Action
Author: R. Douglas Arnold
Publisher: Yale University Press
Total Pages: 298
Release: 1990-01-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780300056594

Congress regularly enacts laws that benefit particular groups or localities while imposing costs on everyone else. Sometimes, however, Congress breaks free of such parochial concerns and enacts bills that serve the general public, not just special interest groups. In this important and original book, R. Douglas Arnold offers a theory that explains not only why special interests frequently triumph but also why the general public sometimes wins. By showing how legislative leaders build coalitions for both types of programs, he illuminates recent legislative decisions in such areas as economic, tax, and energy policy. Arnold's theory of policy making rests on a reinterpretation of the relationship between legislators' actions and their constituents' policy preferences. Most scholars explore the impact that citizens' existing policy preferences have on legislators' decisions. They ignore citizens who have no opinions because they assume that uninformed citizens cannot possibly affect legislators' choices. Arnold examines the influence of citizens' potential preferences, however, and argues that legislators also respond to these preferences in order to avoid future electoral problems. He shows how legislators estimate the political consequences of their voting decisions, taking into account both the existing preferences of attentive citizens and the potential preferences of inattentive citizens. He then analyzes how coalition leaders manipulate the legislative situation in order to make it attractive for legislators to support a general interest bill.

The Oxford Handbook of the American Congress

The Oxford Handbook of the American Congress
Author: Eric Schickler
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages:
Release: 2013-03-14
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0191628255

No legislature in the world has a greater influence over its nation's public affairs than the US Congress. The Congress's centrality in the US system of government has placed research on Congress at the heart of scholarship on American politics. Generations of American government scholars working in a wide range of methodological traditions have focused their analysis on understanding Congress, both as a lawmaking and a representative institution. The purpose of this volume is to take stock of this impressive and diverse literature, identifying areas of accomplishment and promising directions for future work. The editors have commissioned 37 chapters by leading scholars in the field, each chapter critically engages the scholarship focusing on a particular aspect of congressional politics, including the institution's responsiveness to the American public, its procedures and capacities for policymaking, its internal procedures and development, relationships between the branches of government, and the scholarly methodologies for approaching these topics. The Handbook also includes chapters addressing timely questions, including partisan polarization, congressional war powers, and the supermajoritarian procedures of the contemporary Senate. Beyond simply bringing readers up to speed on the current state of research, the volume offers critical assessments of how each literature has progressed - or failed to progress - in recent decades. The chapters identify the major questions posed by each line of research and assess the degree to which the answers developed in the literature are persuasive. The goal is not simply to tell us where we have been as a field, but to set an agenda for research on Congress for the next decade. The Oxford Handbooks of American Politics are a set of reference books offering authoritative and engaging critical overviews of the state of scholarship on American politics. Each volume focuses on a particular aspect of the field. The project is under the General Editorship of George C. Edwards III, and distinguished specialists in their respective fields edit each volume. The Handbooks aim not just to report on the discipline, but also to shape it as scholars critically assess the scholarship on a topic and propose directions in which it needs to move. The series is an indispensable reference for anyone working in American politics. General Editor for The Oxford Handbooks of American Politics: George C. Edwards III