Select a Recent Bill in the House or Senate and Trace

question 7

Essay

Select a recent bill in the House or Senate and trace its passage through the chamber. Use the website voteview.com to download relevant votes and assess the influence of partisanship or other factors on the votes taken related to the bill (depending on student experience with data, the instructor can provide these files to students for select bills). Using vote information as well as qualitative sources, do you find evidence of strategic behavior? What factors do you believe best explain the passage (or failure) of the bill?

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Definitions:

Ingratiation

A psychological technique wherein an individual attempts to become more appealing to others through flattery or other forms of manipulation.

Personal Appeal

The characteristic of being likable or attractive based on personal qualities rather than external factors.

Institutionalization

The process through which certain practices or norms become established and accepted as a fundamental part of the organizational culture or social life.

Organizations

Structured groups of people working together towards common objectives, goals, or missions.