2 ms·

Do representatives really and honestly fight for the interests of their constituents or do they simply vote in ideological buckets. Dems with dems and repubs wi

Do representatives really and honestly fight for the interests of their constituents or do they simply vote in ideological buckets. Dems with dems and repubs with repubs regardless of where you are? The local interests seem to be subservient to national goals at the federal level. I have yet to see our representatives really fighting for your interests. I'm not seeing much evidence of representative democracy but rather tribal thinking.

toomanybeersies 7y ago
They do more than in other countries. Representatives have autonomy to vote as they see fit, without being beholden to the party line, for instance they can vote with their caucus [1]. This is in stark difference to countries like the UK, where MPs have to vote on the party line unless it's declared a conscience vote by the party leader [2]. Voting across party lines in Westminster system parliaments will get you kicked out of the party. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_caucus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_caucus [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_vote https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_vote
- Svip 7y ago
  That's not entirely true. Having the Whip removed was a very unusual move by PM Johnson, which is why it gained so much attention. The US Congress is based on the Westminster system. In effect, MPs are allowed to vote however they feel, but there can be consequences to them voting against the party line. Which is also the case in the US, the party could run a primary challenger to them in the next election. It's the same case in most parliamentary systems, it's usually right of MPs guaranteed in a constitution. Tradition and procedures, however, tend to ensure party line votes, but there are no legal ramifications, if an MP rebels against the party line.

2 ms·

Do representatives really and honestly fight for the interests of their constituents or do they simply vote in ideological buckets. Dems with dems and repubs wi

by rexreed 7y ago

toomanybeersies 7y ago
They do more than in other countries. Representatives have autonomy to vote as they see fit, without being beholden to the party line, for instance they can vote with their caucus [1]. This is in stark difference to countries like the UK, where MPs have to vote on the party line unless it's declared a conscience vote by the party leader [2]. Voting across party lines in Westminster system parliaments will get you kicked out of the party. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_caucus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_caucus [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_vote https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscience_vote
- Svip 7y ago
  That's not entirely true. Having the Whip removed was a very unusual move by PM Johnson, which is why it gained so much attention. The US Congress is based on the Westminster system. In effect, MPs are allowed to vote however they feel, but there can be consequences to them voting against the party line. Which is also the case in the US, the party could run a primary challenger to them in the next election. It's the same case in most parliamentary systems, it's usually right of MPs guaranteed in a constitution. Tradition and procedures, however, tend to ensure party line votes, but there are no legal ramifications, if an MP rebels against the party line.