POLI exam 2

The delegate model of representation means a legislature:

• avoids making controversial decisions

• votes according to the preference of their constituents

• votes based on their own judgment

• always follows their political party's stance

The trustee model of representation means a legislator:

• uses their own judgment to make decisions in the best interest of the public

• always votes with their party

• mirrors public opinion

• avoids controversial votes

The politico model of representation

• Focuses only on representing the elite

• combines elements of the delegate and trustee models

• Ignores public opinion entirely

• Represents only their district’s business interests

Descriptive representation means

• The representative votes based solely on party platforms

• The representative focuses only on policy outcomes

• The representative avoids identity-based politics

• The representative shares characteristics (race, gender, background) with constituents

Substantive representation refers to

• Having the same racial or gender identity as voters

• Representing the interests and policy preferences of constituents

• Voting against the interests of the people

• Only representing one’s own region

Casework refers to

• Campaign advertising

• Writing national policy proposals

• Helping individual constituents with government services

• Managing committee hearings

The franking privilege allows members of Congress to

• Send mail to constituents at no cost

• Travel for free anywhere in the U.S.

• Hire campaign staff with federal money

• Vote remotely in Congress

Gerrymandering is the process of

• Dividing federal funds among states

• Selecting committee chairs

• Drawing district boundaries to benefit a political party

• Counting the national census

What are incumbents

• unsure

• the president's cabinet

• people who switch political parties

• people who don't vote in primary elections

Incumbents tend to win reelection because of

• term limits and frequent turnover

• name, recognition, casework, and franking privileges

• Lack of competition from challengers

• Party switching