The Two Congresses

Electoral Imperative

The need for members of Congress to secure votes in order to get re-elected.

Primary Elections

The initial round of elections that determine the candidates who will run in the general election.

General Elections

The final elections in which voters choose among the candidates from different parties to fill office.

Burke's Delegate Role

The concept that members of Congress act as ambassadors for their constituents' interests.

Burke's Trustee Role

The idea that members of Congress should prioritize the overall good of the nation over local interests.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

A situation in which individuals must choose between cooperation for collective benefit or acting in self-interest.

Majority Party Organization

The party with the most seats in the House or Senate, which typically has stronger influence.

Agency Problems

Issues that arise when agents (like members of Congress) have different incentives and goals than their principals (the voters).

Filibuster

A procedural tactic in the Senate to extend debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

Coordination Problems

Challenges that occur when a group is unable to reach consensus on how to act together.

Unstable Coalitions

Coalitions that may dissolve or change due to competing interests and offers.

Campaign Goals

The primary objective of members of Congress, which is typically to secure re-election.

Vote Share

The proportion of total votes that a political party receives in an election.

Policy Positions

The specific stances on political issues that members of Congress take to appeal to their constituents.

Plurality Winner

The candidate who receives the most votes in an election, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.

Proportional Representation (PR)

An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Collective Action Problem

A situation where individuals must work together to achieve a common goal, but have individual incentives to not cooperate.

Decision Rule

The guideline by which an election is decided, such as plurality or majority.

Electoral Connection

The idea that the behavior of politicians is largely influenced by the goal of getting re-elected.

Delegate/Trustee Distinction

A theory distinguishing between representatives who act on behalf of their constituents' direct interests (delegates) and those who make decisions based on their own judgment (trustees).

Campaign Spending

The financial resources invested in a political campaign, which often influences the outcome.

Constituency

The body of voters or constituents represented by a particular elected official.