After spending the primary season trying to prove they are most in tune with their party, they run for election on the basis of being most in tune with the nation. However, large swaths of the nation are at odds with the social contracts that politician holds with their party (or, otherwise, they would all be members of that party). This sets up the confusing political structure in American culture where politicians must first promise their parties they care strongly about certain issues, then assure the rest of the country that they do not actually care that strongly (Strom 1990). This confusing political structure emerges directly out of the conflicts in the
With the rise in the professional politician many prefer to remain loyal in order to gain power and move up in the hierarchy as opposed to become a rebel who remains in the back benchers. This can be seen after the vote on tuition fees and the liberal democrats. Despite the fact that they had campaigned for this cause endlessly only 26 (including a few Conservatives) chose to vote against the bill. Whips play an important part in removing efficiency from Parliament. By having whips who ensure that MPs behave in accordance to the decisions of the executive both Parliaments ability to scrutinise and hold the executive to account is diminished, but also their role as representatives of their individual constituency is also compromised.
There are many other bills in the house that need to be given a rule and the committee continues to focus its endeavors to favor the party that already has most of the power in the house. The house rules committee was not originally intended to be a key tool for the majority party. It was meant to increase productivity and allow the house to operate more smoothly. A democratic aid even mentioned that
A caucus would provide the party organizations with a meaningful activity, and give local party activists a real role in the nominating process. Given the weaknesses of political parties these days, a caucus could provide an impetus for party building and party activity, long missing from contemporary politics. The word "caucus" itself comes from the Native People of America and means "to gather together and make a great noise." This seems rather appropriate but this system of electing a presidential nominee is becoming less and less popular as it puts a great deal of power in the hands of local party bosses and the fear is that the beliefs of the people themselves at a local level are not necessarily listened to. By 1980 only 25% of the delegates to the national conventions (coming from 18 states)
In the case it helped Torricelli find this loophole with the lobbyist already being a former senator. Referred in the primary issue section this is where the government needs to place better controls on guarding these revolving door problems. • Political Action Committee (PAC): helped incorporate organizations contributions and channel those funds to candidates seeking political office like Torricelli did. They watched as all the organizations contributions which the contributors expect that their money will go for campaigning and not sit in an account for years to build someone’s personal business. This also tied in with the case because in the beginning Torricelli was accepting campaign gifts from a contributor which in the PAC is not permitted if the donation of corporate gifts is given to any political politician, it must come from individuals.
Assignment One In Miles Benson article, Political consultants tailor candidates’ message to what the voters want to hear, he has several opinions and views on how political consultants, opinion polls and negative advertising affect how politicians want us to feel, react and ultimately vote. It seems that research has discovered that if a politician talks in platitudes he has a better chance of getting himself or herself elected. Being specific seems to detrimental because too many questions are asked. Bill Hillsman, a media expert said that, “obviously, a candidate seeking votes is going to emphasize shared concerns and issues that are popular. But all too often political leadership simply means finding out what the people want and telling them you’ll give it to them” (Benson A3).
Parliament may face difficulties in controlling executive power as the government usually has an overall majority. This is especially the case when there has been a creation of a large majority after elections such as 1997 and 2001 with Labour majorities of 179 and 167 respectively. Majorities of 66 in 2005 and 83 with the coalition in 2010 have also been recorded. This allows the government to claim a mandate from the people for its policies when it is elected to power. Therefore the parliament lacks the legitimate right to ignore the mandate and tends to accept the government’s right to govern.
Also, when Congress passes a piece of legislation, the do not technically have the authority to enforce this legislation. That remains in the hands of the Judicial and Executive branches. And when dealing with the Legislative branch, you are surrounded by Senators and Representatives whose motives are often not pure, but are tainted by the financial backing of others, and each of their individual constituents. They are not always in these positions to benefit the whole of American society. The Judicial branch is made for the people, all of the people of the United States.
In presidential elections people vote for or against a president and this vote is formed from a variety of influences specifically the words of other people. Peers debate amongst one another when making a large decision like determining the nation’s next president. Their choice of words must be persuasive and supported with factual information, otherwise the opposing side will not be persuaded. The candidates work hard to build up a strong influential appearance, yet a slip of words or a minor reaction to an incident can destroy their reputation in seconds. It is easy for society to slander another person’s name; these same words have the potential to influence the outcome of a future generation.
Trustee: free agent, elect someone based on their credentials, they make decisions on our behalf. They listen to our input and take this into consideration, but do what they think is appropriate, especially on national issues (members who voted for the Brady bill in 94). 2. Delegate (informed): Our representative casts a proxy vote for their constituents. A mirror of the electorate.