Amateur hour

The Impact of Background on the Ideology of Members of Congress

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6291625
AutoresChase B Meyer (0000-0001-7119-0508, University of South Carolina, autor correspondente)
Ano2021
Volume27
Fascículo4
Páginas595-607
Data de publicação2021-10-02
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Legislative Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1357-2334 • E-ISSN: 1743-9337
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13572334.2021.1896450
OpenAlexW3133494219
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas16

Research has found numerous differences between amateur and quality candidates in the realm of campaigns and elections, but little research has been conducted on the ideological differences between the two classes of candidates once they enter Congress. Using ideology scores and background data from members of the House since the 103rd Congress, I demonstrate that previously serving in an elected office exerts a moderating effect on Representatives’ ideologies. These findings suggest that Representatives who had never served in elective government before joining Congress are less likely to compromise with the other party and thus more likely to add to Congressional polarisation. However, not all previous experience before joining Congress is equal. Previous experience serving at the local level, such as major or city council member, appears to have the greatest moderating effect on the ideology of members of the House

Amateur · Ideology · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Policy Transfer and Learning · Political Science Research and Education · Public Administration