Congressional elections have implications for representation in the sense that they are premised on referendum, party congruence, and other political constructs. The aggregate results in congressional elections determine the aggregate representation that different parties should have in the congress and in the ruling government. This aspect creates divisions between the administration party and the opposition party and the manner in which the members of the congress pass and support policies. I agree with Jacobson’s assessments because congressional elections influence in the manner in which members of the congress relate, articulate and support policies, which envision national interests thus reducing efficiency and performance of other arms of the government. Although congressional elections may create divisions in congress, it has influenced American politics by promoting consensus between the involved parties; an aspect that Jacobson failed to mention in his argument. This aspect is evident when the ruling party and the opposition party put their political differences and interests aside and focus on issues of national interests (Nownes 245).
Jacobson articulates that “serving the organized”, “particularism,” and “responsiveness without responsibility”, are the key consequences of the electoral and congressional elections. In the analysis, Jacobson asserts that serving the organized occurs when the congress favors those organized groups, which are vocal, active in politics, influential and have financial ability to manipulate other parties. The concept of responsiveness without responsibility occurs when mutually contradictory policies are enacted to benefit certain individuals or groups at the expense of the majority (Jacobson 296). However, politicians should be held account for their collective performance in leadership. Particularism occurs when politicians support policies, which are identifiable and benefit particular groups at the expense of other people. In certain instances, politicians pursue particularized policies even if the benefits outweigh the cost involved to implement these policies. Serving the organized has negative consequences on the American politics because politicians use this concept to protect their political interests, divide people along ethnic and political lines and affect political stability and goodwill; an idea that affect national development.
Jacobson argues that there a direct relationship and interplay between party polarization in congress and party polarization within the electorate. Today, elections shape the behavior of the congress, which in turn influence, shape and change the politics of the electorate. This interplay and party polarization creates partisan party conflicts, which influence congress and the electorate behave differently (Jacobson 285). However, the congress and the electorate can work in unison if they embrace the concept of realignment that allows them to differ ideologically, but remain homogenous and united, internally. I agree with Jacobson’s argument and evidence because he has used empirical data to elaborate the influence of party polarization in congress and within the electorate and party and ideological divisions in the senate and the House of Representatives, as highlighted in 1972 presidential elections.
Works cited
Nownes, Anthony. Interest Groups in American Politics: Pressure and Power. New York: Routledge, 2013. Print.
Jacobson, Gary C.. The politics of congressional elections. Boston: Little, Brown, 2012. Print.
Jacobson, Gary C.. The politics of Congressional elections. 8th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.
