Behaviour and Future Political Strategies of the US Congress - Research Paper Example

American politics Question Public opinion influences the elected representatives and the policy output of American government Public opinion is the important factor of democratic process in America. This factor is based on accumulation of individual beliefs, represented by grown-up population. Summing up the basic views of adult people, public opinion is a complex social phenomenon, which defines further development of political life in the country. There is a need to investigate internal relations between different individuals, defining public opinion. A special attention is paid to the main role of mass media played in the formation of public opinion. In the process of election public opinion plays one of the most important roles. Officials to be elected should develop their electoral policies in accordance with shifted accents of basic public demands concerning the size of the government. For example, public policy may exert influence on development of liberal principles or democratic policies. Government responds to the needs shaped by the public opinion, because public opinion plays an important role in further development of policies (Jones, McDemott, 2009). Citizens have their strong beliefs that the Congress chosen by them would fulfill their needs and demands. Moreover, public opinion is investigated by sociologists and many other researchers in order to evaluate the needs of the citizens and make an analysis of further policies development. In terms of democracy, governmental responsiveness to public opinion is one of the basic pillars. On the other hand, if public opinion establishes broad parameters for the country’s policies and the policy entrepreneurs have a chance to develop their policies in a broader context. Governmental policies can be developed in broader terms and there is a need to respond to the set parameters of public opinion concerning liberal and democratic views and their reflection in the policies of the government. Further on, it is possible that public views are developed in a serious contradiction and key policy issues may not coincide with the public opinion. Question 2 Political parties and interest group are representatives of democratic process Under conditions of democratic processes of the country, it is evident that public opinion is reflected via different organizations and forms of public opinions. For example, interest groups are formed by the people, united by the common goal and they want to influence the formation of the governmental policies. Interest groups in America are established on the basis of their economic concerns, occupational needs or ideological beliefs or principles. These groups may be religious, ethnic or any other and may have membership in different social or economic groupings. People, who were frustrated by governmental policies, such as blacks, women, Native Americans and the economic underdogs have organized themselves in different movements (Jones, McDemott, 2009). They have their greatest power, because they reflect diverse interests and opinions and much more concerned about various beliefs and social concerns. Political parties are also important for governmental policy development as the instruments of policies formation. The role of political parties is very essential. These parties simplify voting choices and are responsible for competition organization, for electorate unifying and bridging the gap of powers separation. Voting choices are easily structured with the help of political parties and they nominate a candidate for choosing him in the process of elections. Therefore, the function of political parties is much more integrative and in-depth strategies are taken by the political parties. Moreover, it should be noted that degree of effectiveness of interest groups and political parties is different. Interest groups are more specific and their representation and political influence is more limited than the influence of political parties. Therefore, the most efficient influence is exerted by political parties and not groups of interest. Still, the better link between the public and the government is developed by interest groups. The representatives of these groups are diverse, with different needs and interests and public opinion represented by this group is more essential. There are essential differences between the interest groups and political parties. The common points of interest are that both interest groups and political parties represent a linkage between the electorate and politics of the country. Sometimes groups of interest may be even more effective than political parties. Political parties are influential for the government through electoral process. Interest groups do not run their own candidates, but they just support the candidates from the political parties. A broader spectrum of issues is supported and mediated by the political parties. Interest groups are more focused on some special issues or particular spheres of interest. Nevertheless, both of these groups of public opinion operate on a democratic basis and their contribution is essential for the democratic processes of the country. Political parties and groups of interest consist from different people with diverse interests. The major concerns of the democratic process are that people have a freedom of choice and have a chance to support and promote their liberties and freedom. According to democratic principles, people should actively participate in the law-making process. Different social and political organizations and institutions are developed in the name of these freedoms support and are the ways for citizens to reach their goals by mediation of their demands and concerns to the Congress. Question 3 Tension between responsibility and responsiveness in the Congress The issue of responsibility and responsiveness of the Congress has been often discussed in numerous researches and studies. The Congress is the institution which is first of all responsible before the members of the American society. Congress is indeed responsive to the people of the United States. The relations between responsibility of the Congress and the society are often discussed with regards to the incumbency advantage. There are three main principles, which are advantageous in terms of incumbent. Firstly, the presidents are known to the public on the basis of their actual contributions to the public. These people should be respected for their public activity, so they are usually elected by the people. The second principle is that election campaigns are properly funded, so that it may be effectively held. The third principle is that the presidents have their experiences and certain district advantages (Jones, McDemott, 2009). An essential tension between the responsibility and the responsiveness of the Congress before the public in the majority of cases is evident. Thus, the conflict which exists between the public demands and the abilities of the congress to fulfill these demands is often based on the legitimate basis. In the majority of cases the Congress is puzzled by choosing the most relevant policies, which are beneficial for the public (Jones, McDemott, 2009). Of course, the public does not have enough knowledge in order to evaluate a degree of the Congress responsiveness. Still, the degree of responsibility of the Congress is often underlined during the public policies representation or during election campaigns. Congress should function in accordance with both issues of responsiveness and responsibility in terms of lawmaking (Jones, McDemott, 2009). On the one hand, responsibility of the US Congress is in lawmaking. In reality, this process requires in-time responsiveness of the Congress and numerous organizations and institutions are also involved in this process. There are certain standing committees, supporting law-making process and there are special committees with bicameral membership. Nevertheless, the public has a hope that the electoral promises of the candidates are fulfilled completely in the process of lawmaking. Therefore, in case the Congress membership, its behavior and future political strategies are in compliance with the initial electoral promises, then the Congress is responsible and responsive to the public. Works cited 1. Jones, D. R., McDemott, M.L. Americans, Congress, and democratic responsiveness: public evaluations of Congress and electoral consequences. University of Michigan Press, 2009. Read More