USRepresentative Cóndora Is Facing a Dilemma

question 37

Multiple Choice

U.S.Representative Cóndora is facing a dilemma.The freshman House member is under pressure from defense contractors, who helped finance his campaign, to support a new defense spending bill, one that many critics decry as wasteful.Meanwhile, a survey shows that a bare majority of district voters oppose the bill.The same survey shows, however, that a similar percentage would support a slightly pared-down bill.Overwhelming district majorities, meanwhile, support immigration and health-care reform measures that leaders in Cóndora's party have promised to back, in return for defense bill support. If it is taken as a given that effective representation requires supporting what a majority wants, but that Cóndora must have financial, party, and voter support for reelection, what would be the representative's best option in dealing with the defense bill?

• A) Vote for the defense bill as is, since district voters more clearly see immigration and health-care reform as higher priorities
• B) Vote against the defense bill, since even a bare majority of voters is still a majority, and is deserving of respect
• C) Vote for the defense bill, while calling for portions of it to be reconsidered later, and discussing future options with contractors and party leaders
• D) Abstain from voting on the defense bill, since this is clearly a no-win situation

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Definitions:

Quality of Care

A measure of the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes in line with current professional knowledge.

Tetraplegia

A condition, also known as quadriplegia, characterized by partial or total loss of use of all limbs and torso, typically as a result of spinal cord injury.

Adolescent

The stage of human development that occurs between childhood and adulthood, typically from ages 13 to 19.

Providing Care

The act of assisting or looking after someone, especially those who are unable to perform everyday activities on their own.