Political Science

When the Framers were designing the federal government, they believed that the House of Representatives would be “the people’s” branch of government, most in touch with and responsive to the varied and changing needs of the people. Many analysts today might describe the House as the “insiders’ branch”, distant from and responsive to special interests.

For the essay portion on the final, you will take a position on the “people’s branch” vs. “insiders’ branch” debate by assessing the public’s role in congressional decision-making in the modern House of Representatives.

You can do so by:

First, explain why legislators may not listen to all constituents all the time.

Second, explain how policymaking processes might make it difficult for the public to monitor and evaluate the House.

Third, explain why partisan gerrymandering and polarization may make representatives less responsive to their constituents back home.