<p>I'm part way through my essay for ap government but now I'm stuck. I wondering if anyone is willing to give me any insight on this essay question....</p>
<p>A democracy is based upon the idea that the will of the people prevails. Does congress act this way? (i say yes) In answering consider elections to congress, how congress operates and the factors that influence the voting behaviors of members.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>House Members:
Popularly elected
elected every two years so they are constantly obeying the will of the people(to stay in office)
Pork Barrel - bring important projects back to their districts that the people want</p>
<p>Senate:</p>
<p>Statewide popular elections
Always in the press - have to appease constituency</p>
<p>ok my bad i meant no..that they dont rule based on will of the people. Would it be right to use the other influences that congress uses (ex party influences)</p>
<p>No. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Members have to vote party lines in order to move up in the hierarchy(often disagrees with their constituencies)</p></li>
<li><p>Special interests(campaign money), members have to reward contributers</p></li>
<li><p>Members are not always assigned to relevant committees(ie. you could be from a rural district and be assigned to the urban planning committee)</p></li>
<li><p>Important issues sometimes don't even make it out of committee(bills have to be approved in committee before they can call for a vote - some important issues to the people don't even come up).</p></li>
<li><p>Most votes in congress don't get any press</p></li>
<li><p>Politicians more likely to appease base voters or big contributers over the district as a whole </p></li>
<li><p>Not the will of all people - Majority rule suffocates minority rights</p></li>
</ul>
<p>-Olive Branch/Horsetrading - won't vote for the people on every issue, have to compromise on some issues to get things done. </p>
<p>-Senators elected every 6 years - are not necessarily worried about being elected</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Members could vote with their own morals over the peoples wishes </p></li>
<li><p>Pork Solves - members don't have to vote for the people as long as they are bringing a lot of money back to the district</p></li>
</ul>
<p>thank you!!!</p>