Influences on Congressional Decision Making

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the influences on congressional decision-making, including the roles of constituents, interest groups, party discipline, and polarization.

Constituents

Citizens represented by members of Congress whose interests and preferences influence legislative decisions.

Interest Groups

Organizations that track congressional actions and influence members of Congress by providing information, mobilizing voters, and supporting campaigns.

Party Discipline

The tendency of party members to vote in line with party leadership.

Party Vote

A congressional vote in which a majority of one party votes against a majority of the other party.

Partisanship

The strong allegiance to one's own political party, often leading to voting along party lines.

Logrolling

A legislative practice in which members of Congress agree to support each other’s bills in exchange for support.

Whip System

A system used by party leaders to communicate and coordinate party members' voting strategies.

Polarization

The increasing ideological distance between political parties, leading to more partisan voting.

Committee Stage

A phase in the legislative process where interest groups often have significant influence over bills.

Bipartisanship

A political situation where opposing political parties find common ground through compromise.

Presidential Influence

The expectation that members of Congress align their votes with the legislative agenda of the president from their party.