Monday, October 4, 2010

David R. Mayhew. 1974. Congress: The Electoral Connection

David R. Mayhew. 1974. Congress: The Electoral Connection. New Haven: Yale University Press. Pp. 1-7, 13-19, 81-105.

Scrutiny of purposive behavior offers the best route to understanding the U.S. Congress. Congressmen are motivated by reelection. Allocation of goods to one congressman does not usually reduce the allocation of goods to another; as such, there is little incentive to reform the House or Senate. There is minimal party pressure. Incumbent congressmen care more about keeping their jobs than about party lines.

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