AP GOVERNMENT A member of Congress was recently elected by a very wide margin. The representative does not anticipate any strong
opposition in either the primary election or the general election. A piece of legislation that does not directly affect the
representative's district has been introduced. The media are not reporting on this piece of legislation.
(A) Describe the role conception in which the representative is most likely to engage.
(B) In the context of the scenario, explain how the representative's vote is affected by party leadership in Congress.
(C) In the context of the scenario, explain how interest groups might affect the representative's vote on the legislation and the
position of the majority party.

(A) Most likely, he will follow what the party leadership wishes him to do. This is the role most congressmen follow. The American political system is based on a mainly two party system. The goal of a political party is to get their candidates elected, legislation that benefits their constituents passed, as well as, representing the interests of their people. Since this does not affect the district, they will most likely follow what the leadership would like in order to maintain control of the political arena. On rare occasions, a congressman will go against party wishes (normally if they feel they are morally against the legislation).

(B) Typically party leadership is highly respected, and representatives are very loyal to their party's leaders. The leadership has been extremely successful in promoting their party agendas. There are rewards given to those that follow the party's wishes. These may be advancement in their own political career (leadership roles in congress, passing of items important to their constituents, etc.) . There are also reprimands such as, loss of privileges that could end a political career. They may also stall a bill that is important to the congressman.

(C) Interest groups will try to lobby for actions that they find extremely important. They try to influence or persuade the congressman to vote either for or against the legislation. An interest group may try to convince the congressman to vote against party wishes or to follow party wishes. They create presentations and reports in order to demonstrate that the congressman should vote to their liking. In this situation, a congressman may be approached by an interest group in order to sway their vote. This may take the vote away from their political party, which could change the leadership power and legislation.

Explanation:

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