R Is Congress
Responsive? Conclusion

Thursday,
March 12, 2009

8:30 PM

Is Congress
responsible to the nation as a whole??

Pressures of
election and constituencies services compromises ability to legislate
effectively

Balance their
district's needs vs stopping pork barrel spending

Need to rely on $$
for their campaign

Some small groups
can block action, particular in Senate

Many places where
bills can be killed

But Congress can
legislate better both despite and because

Checks
and balances

Helps
build consensus on issues

Allows
Congress to pass legislation with widespread support in a nation increasingly
fractured

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R Is Congress
Responsive? Conclusion

Thursday,
March 12, 2009

8:30 PM

Is Congress
responsible to the nation as a whole??

Pressures of
election and constituencies services compromises ability to legislate
effectively

Balance their
district's needs vs stopping pork barrel spending

Need to rely on $$
for their campaign

Some small groups
can block action, particular in Senate

Many places where
bills can be killed

But Congress can
legislate better both despite and because

Checks
and balances

Helps
build consensus on issues

Allows
Congress to pass legislation with widespread support in a nation increasingly
fractured