POSC150 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Opportunity Cost
16 Feb 2017
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In what behaviors do members of congress engage. Costly activities: writing a bill, assigning staff to projects, raising campaign funds, visiting constituents, visiting lobbyists, attending committee meetings, floor sessions. Most legislative sessions occur at night: can last till 1/2/3 am, go home and come back at 7am. If a member decides to meet with constituents, then opportunity cost is writing a bill or visiting lobbyists. 6 commonly suggested goals for members of congress: reelection. Most members of congress want to be elected again: good policy. Most members who get elected had a successful career before landing job in congress. So they are driven when they get to washington and want to be just as successful and powerful: make a mark. Creating something that will be remembered after leaving office: career/moving up. Hor is seen as a stepping stone office. Gives individual a high profile platform to move up to bigger and better things: serve president or party.
