Congress and the Public

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the concepts of representation in Congress, including the roles, styles, and impacts of elected officials on their constituents.

Representation

The act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone, particularly in a political context.

Trustees

Members of Congress who promote the public interest, relying on their experience and knowledge, trusting their constituents to defer to them.

Delegates

Members of Congress who act based on the desires of their constituents, aligning their votes and actions with the preferences of the majority.

Substantive Representation

The principle that elected officials represent the interests of their constituents through policy decisions and advocacy.

Descriptive Representation

The concept that elected representatives should resemble the demographic characteristics of their constituents.

Home Style

The way members of Congress present themselves to their constituents, including their personal style and communication methods.

Casework

The assistance provided by members of Congress to help constituents deal with government issues or services.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence politicians and public policy on behalf of their members, often through lobbying.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence the decisions of government officials, often performed by interest groups.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues, which can influence political representation and policy.