Important readings and authors (Behaviorialism and Institutionalism)

Campell (et al)

Rise of party loyalty (never changes/goes away), determines how people will vote and behave, stems from how one is socialized.

Riker

People will vote depending on whether they believe the costs outweigh the benefits, Reward = benefit (probability) - cost (non-material benefit)

Weeks

Poor/minorities don’t vote because they feel their representatives don’t listen to them, barriers to voting- long waits, no ID, work/no way to get to poll, poorly run polls

Gilens

Research on who holds most influence in government- answer is elites/wealthy. Public only represented as their views may align with elites. Interest groups hold most sway, especially business corps.

Robinson

Lack of political knowledge = misinformed voters. They vote for things that actually contradict their interests and what would most benefit them.

Hibbing + Theiss-Morse

People are dissatisfied with government and want more control of the system. This would be bad as people’s opinions/wants change often and they themselves are polarized, thus process would be equally bad/worse than what it is now.

Mansbridge

4 forms of representation.

1. Promissory: officials make promises and are reelected based off how well they fulfill those.

2. Anticipatory: Similar to promissory, except officials are making premeditated decisions about what they believe will be important to public in next election.

3. Gyroscopic: Official is governing based off their own morals; no influence from public

4. Surrogate: Decision made by official benefit/represent those outside of their constituency.

For promissory/anticipatory officials and their constituents are connected/in contact; the public has a large impact on actions of elite. In gyroscopic there is less contact between 2 groups and the public has little influence on their elite.

Von Drehle

2 party system has existed forever within US history; cycle- parties reach peak and then disband; “Us vs them” mentality

Drutman

Democrats and Republican parties are internally divided; this will lead to a split and the rise of one even more conservative party and one even more liberal party.

Mayhew

Congress members only concerned about reelection; to gain this they appeal to wealthy constituents; particularized benefits = best way to credit build

Fenno

Congress members do work at home that involves staying connected with constituents (aids in reelection); builds good reputation and trust within the constituency

Sinclair

3 phases of Senate:

1. 50s- clubby, only white men (no diversity), no transparency, simply focused on work in front of them, system of seniority (no reelection threat)

2. 60s- increase in political drive, media importance, and diversity. More attentive to what their constituency wants.

3. 90s/Today- polarized, only voting along partisan lines, no compromise

All this stemmed from aggressively conservative Reagan administration.

Howell

Presidency has accumulated power- now have ability to legislate. Unilateral powers like proclamations, executive orders/agreements. “Move first, act alone”

Epps

Founders set up system that allows for abuse of executive power; vague language allows for power accumulation through exploitation of ambiguity. Long delay in new President entering office (dangerous!)

Miroff

Presidents use the power of the spectacle (non-verbal expression) to win the support of the public; speech isn’t what is important, but rather the act of giving the speech that is. Crisises often add to the spectacle.

Hamilton

Judiciary only has power to judge- cannot enforce, nor legislate. Life tenure. Courts must uphold liberties and put the will of the Constitution above all else.

Shapiro

When 2 individuals cannot solve conflict, they turn to third party for decision. This means there MUST be a winner. This system is upheld through notions of “consent of governed” and “rule of law.”

Dahl

SCOTUS does not always protect minorities from unfair legislation.

Kaplan

Court becoming more polarized- appointments have become high-stakes as judges are expected to “vote correctly.” Court is actively seeking to affect the system- if they don’t step in, no one else will.

Sunstein

Court supposed to remain independent (life tenure and salaries that cannot be changed). However, there are things that encourage partisanship (appointment by President and dependency on other branches). Courts decisions are not guaranteed to have impact given that they cannot enforce them.

Gilman

Messed up ballots led to confusion over who won 2000 election- first time SC had resided over an election case. Usual precedent is that States solve their own issues (especially regarding elections). Caused increased fear over whether or not Court is truly partisan- cannot truly be though. Ultimate goal of Court is to make decisions based on what they deem correct and feasible.