American Government
Congress II: Mayhew and the
Electoral Connection
The Electoral Connection
(David Mayhew 1974)
• Assumption: Members of Congress are
single-minded seekers of reelection.
• Kinds of activities:
– Advertising
– Credit claiming
– Position taking
Negative Consequences of the
Electoral Connection
• Delay
• Symbolism
http://search.cbsnews.com/?source=cbs&q=Armenian+Gen
ocide
• Particularism
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/12/eveningnews/
main3363037.shtml?source=RSSattr=Politics_3363037
• Servicing the Organized
Americans’ Faith in Congress
• How many of you have a great deal of
faith in Congress as a whole?
• How many of you have a great deal of
faith in your Senator/Representative?
• www.pollingreport.com/institut.htm