Party Discipline in the U.S. House of Representatives

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Political Parties
Cover of the book Party Discipline in the U.S. House of Representatives by Kathryn Pearson, University of Michigan Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kathryn Pearson ISBN: 9780472121199
Publisher: University of Michigan Press Publication: August 6, 2015
Imprint: University of Michigan Press Language: English
Author: Kathryn Pearson
ISBN: 9780472121199
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Publication: August 6, 2015
Imprint: University of Michigan Press
Language: English

Political party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives command greater loyalty than ever from fellow party members in roll call votes, campaign contributions, and partisan speeches. In return, leaders reward compliant members with opportunities to promote constituent interests and to advance their own political careers. Denial of such privileges as retribution against those who don’t fully support the party agenda may significantly damage a member’s prospects.

Kathryn Pearson examines the disciplinary measures that party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives employ to exact such loyalty, as well as the consequences for a democratic legislature. Drawing upon data from 1987–2010, Pearson identifies the conditions under which party leaders opt to prioritize policy control and those which induce them to prioritize majority control. She then assesses the ways in which these choices affect, on one hand, the party’s ability to achieve its goals, and on the other hand, rank-and-file members’ ability to represent their constituents. Astute party leaders recognize the need for balance, as voters could oust representatives who repeatedly support the party’s agenda over their constituents’ concerns, thereby jeopardizing the number of seats their party holds.

In her conclusion, Pearson discusses the consequences of party discipline such as legislative gridlock, stalled bills, and proposals banned from the agenda. Although party discipline is likely to remain strong as citizens become more cognizant of enforced party loyalty, their increasing dissatisfaction with Congress may spur change.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Political party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives command greater loyalty than ever from fellow party members in roll call votes, campaign contributions, and partisan speeches. In return, leaders reward compliant members with opportunities to promote constituent interests and to advance their own political careers. Denial of such privileges as retribution against those who don’t fully support the party agenda may significantly damage a member’s prospects.

Kathryn Pearson examines the disciplinary measures that party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives employ to exact such loyalty, as well as the consequences for a democratic legislature. Drawing upon data from 1987–2010, Pearson identifies the conditions under which party leaders opt to prioritize policy control and those which induce them to prioritize majority control. She then assesses the ways in which these choices affect, on one hand, the party’s ability to achieve its goals, and on the other hand, rank-and-file members’ ability to represent their constituents. Astute party leaders recognize the need for balance, as voters could oust representatives who repeatedly support the party’s agenda over their constituents’ concerns, thereby jeopardizing the number of seats their party holds.

In her conclusion, Pearson discusses the consequences of party discipline such as legislative gridlock, stalled bills, and proposals banned from the agenda. Although party discipline is likely to remain strong as citizens become more cognizant of enforced party loyalty, their increasing dissatisfaction with Congress may spur change.

More books from University of Michigan Press

Cover of the book Publishing Blackness by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Value Change in Global Perspective by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Dividing Lines by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Look at Me! by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Faithful Unto Death by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Reckoning with Spirit in the Paradigm of Performance by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Bath Massacre by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Marx Went Away--But Karl Stayed Behind by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Slayers and Their Vampires by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book The Neuroscientific Turn by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Snarl by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Counting the Tiger's Teeth by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book The Hyperlinked Society by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Gardens and Neighbors by Kathryn Pearson
Cover of the book Trust and Hedging in International Relations by Kathryn Pearson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy