1. Representation Continued: Constituent Relations

2. Terminology
Congressmen

3. Terminology
Congressmen
Congresspeople

4. Terminology
Congressmen
Congresspeople
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
“M. C.”s

5. How can you ensure that MC’s pay attention to their constituents?
Choose people of good character
Strict anti-corruption rules
Align their personal interests with the interests of their constituents

6. Why would someone run for Congress?
Power and ego
Policy goals
Political career ambition

7. The re-election motive
Must get re-elected to further any other goals
Must act in ways that will get them re-elected

8. Considerations Who will vote for you? Who will oppose you?
What can you do to help keep your job?

9. Who are your constituents?
Fenno’s four constituencies:
Geographic
Re-election
Primary
Personal

10. Who does an MC worry most about?
Potential opponents
Attentive and Inattentive publics

11. So what do they do?
Allocation of resources
Staff
Budget
Time

12. So what do they do? Allocation of resources Particularized benefits
Explaining
Advertising
Credit Claiming
Position Taking

13. Consequences?