Evaluate The View That The Most Important Factor Influencing How Senators/Congresspeople Vote In Congress Is Public Opinion In Their Constituency. (30)

AGREE 1

If congress doesn’t take into account public opinion within their constituency they risk losing their seat

The house of representatives and 1/3 of the senate are elected every 2 years

DISAGREE 1

Congressional caucuses can shape the voting behaviour of congress.

Many of the representatives and senators who voted against the foreign aid package to Ukraine belong to the House Freedom Caucus – the furthest right and most conservative caucus within the REP party.

AGREE 2

US is becoming more divided, so voters are less supportive of representatives cooperating with the other party. Increased risk of losing seat if they do so.

Only 10 Republicans supported the 2^nd impeachment of trump despite many initially opposing trump. Due to the strong MAGA base they would’ve placed higher risk on themselves of not being re-elected if they voted to impeach.

DISAGREE 2

Pressure to vote along party lines has grown due to the increasing partisanship in US politics. Key pieces of legislation have been passed with voting completely along party lines

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in 2017 with unified Republican support but no Democrats voting in favour

AGREE 3

Senators and members of the House of Representatives are unlikely to vote in line with an interest group/lobbyist's views if this vote would be unpopular among their constituents.

Despite lobbying efforts to repeal the ACA many senators refused to support the repeal as many of their constituents expressed strong concerns over losing healthcare coverage.

DISAGREE 3.1

Interest groups and lobbyists pressure them to vote in ways thar align with their interests.

NRA spent $1.48m on lobbying in 2024.

NRA played significant role in shaping U.S gun policy – prevented the renewal of the assault weapons ban (2004).

DISAGREE 3.2

Interest groups can influence likelihood of member of congress being re-elected by endorsing their candidacy or backing their opponents.

·   AIPAC supports candidates who align with a pro-Israel stance and helps with funding and campaign support.

·   The Club for Growth runs advertising campaigns against candidates who don’t align with their strict fiscal conservatism.