POLI SCI 220 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Debt Relief, Bicameralism, Direct Democracy
27 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Primary goal is getting elected/re-elected (need that to accomplish other goals such as policy change) They usually behave strategically in pursuit of their goals. Consider effect of action on staying in office. Need to bargain, compromise with other strategic actor politicians. Not always strategic-- but to succeed, need to be strategic most of the time: voters are not like politicians. Voting behavior is shaped by interests, identities, and values -- not just self-interested. Voting is not a profession -- less incentive to think strategically. What happens when strategic politicians meet non-strategic voters: elections make politicians the agents of their constituents. Elections as a means of popular rule. Changing role of elections with the rise of the permanent campaign. Influence over what issues or alternatives are considered, who participates, rules of engagement. B in a manner contrary to b"s interests by influencing, shaping, or determining his very wants . Measurement: may be directly observable-- but often is not.
