POL SCI 1 Lecture 12: Lecture 12
Document Summary
High reelection rate suggestive: but could just be a sign that districts favor one party or the other, critical to distinguish between (personal) incumbency advantage and (structural) party advantage. Evidence of incumbency advantage: sophomore surge : member a: first elected with 52% of vote, member a: wins reelection two years later with 60% of vote sophomore surge of 8 points. Weakening of part attachments in post-wwii politics: split-ticket voting, increasing number of independents. Increase in congressional staff and capacity: constituency service, mailings to constituents. Stronger political attachments: split-ticket voting falls, independents in name only , harder for member to shape independent reputation. Making good policy : hard to claim credit, individual contribution is small, free-ride. Developing a good party record: could improve brand , discourage wave election , individual contribution is small, free-ride. Defending the institution: congress bleeds from 435 cuts , individual contribution is small, free-ride. Another collective good: the rewards of being the majority.
