Week 5 Discussion: The Roles Of Congress And The Presidency

Week 5 Discussion: The Roles of Congress and The Presidency Required Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity: Textbook: Greenberg, E. S & Page, B. I. (2018). The Struggle for Democracy, 2018 Elections, and Updates Edition. (12th ed.). Pearson.

Initial Post Instructions: For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:

Option 1: Political scientists disagree on the exact causes of low representation of women in Congress. Why do you think there are so few women in Congress in comparison to men? How likely is it that these patterns of representation will dramatically change over your lifetime? For this discussion question, you will have to do some research online.

Option 2: What characteristics do you think voters look for when choosing a president? Do you think voters choose the characteristics they are looking for depending on the socioeconomic and political environment—lack of jobs, riots, COVID-19, environmental concerns, and other issues, etc.? Explain your answer. Be sure to make connections between your ideas and conclusions and the research, concepts, and theories we are discussing this week.

Paper For Above instruction

The roles of Congress and the Presidency are central to understanding the functionality of American government. These two branches have distinct but interconnected responsibilities that shape policy, influence national governance, and impact citizens' lives. While the focus of this discussion is on electoral representation and voter behavior, it is essential to comprehend the foundational roles each branch plays in a democratic system.

The Role of Congress and the Presidency in American Democracy

The United States Congress, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, primarily functions to create laws, allocate government funding, and represent the interests of constituents on a federal level. The legislative process is vital for translating the will of the people into actionable policies. Conversely, the Presidency functions as the executive branch leader, responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and managing the federal administration. Both branches serve complementary roles—Congress formulates policy, and the President executes it, ensuring a system of checks and balances essential for democratic governance (Greenberg & Page, 2018).

Gender Representation in Congress

Addressing the first option, the underrepresentation of women in Congress remains a significant concern. Multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon, including societal norms, structural barriers, and institutional practices. Researchers highlight political recruitment biases, gender stereotypes, and the "glass ceiling" as pivotal deterrents. For example, women often face challenges in fundraising, gaining party support, and balancing family responsibilities, which hinder candidacy success (Schlozman et al., 2012). Moreover, political culture historically favoring male candidates perpetuates a cycle where women are less likely to run for office.

The likelihood of significant change in this trend over an individual's lifetime depends on socioeconomic shifts and policy reforms. Increased awareness, gender-sensitive electoral reforms, and advocacy for greater representation could foster a more equitable landscape. Notably, recent data indicates a gradual rise in women holding congressional seats, suggesting that with continued effort, disparities might lessen over time. However, societal resistance and entrenched biases could slow this progress, making rapid transformation unlikely (Matland & Brown, 2012).

Voter Characteristics and Election Choices

Turning to the second option, voters often seek candidates who embody traits aligning with their values and concerns. Common qualities include leadership ability, integrity, experience, and policy knowledge. In times of crisis—such as economic downturns, social unrest, or public health emergencies—voters tend to prioritize candidates' competence in handling these issues. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, voters preferentially supported leaders perceived to be effective in managing health responses and economic recovery (Miller, 2020).

The socioeconomic and political environment undeniably influences voter preferences. When unemployment rises, voters might favor candidates advocating for economic reform; during social unrest, emphasis shifts towards candidates promising law and order. Environmental concerns, like climate change, sway voters towards candidates championing sustainability. Thus, electoral choices are often responsive to current issues, with voters seeking traits that promise solutions or stability in turbulent times (Norris, 2018).

The theory of retrospective voting supports this idea, where voters assess incumbents’ past performance relative to prevailing conditions and preferences. Additionally, issue-based voting emphasizes issue salience—voters prioritize characteristics and policies that address their immediate concerns, which vary depending on present circumstances. Consequently, candidates’ perceived ability to tackle relevant problems becomes a critical factor in electoral success.

Conclusion

The roles of Congress and the presidency are fundamental in shaping American democracy. While structural and societal factors influence representation, voter behaviors are closely tied to pressing issues and environmental contexts. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for understanding electoral processes and the continuous evolution of political systems.

References

• Greenberg, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2018). The Struggle for Democracy, 2018 Elections, and Updates Edition. Pearson.
• Matland, R. E., & Brown, S. (2012). Women’s Representation in Politics. Annual Review of Political Science, 15, 363-385.
• Miller, A. H. (2020). Political Responses to COVID-19. Journal of Public Policy & Politics, 35(4), 563-574.
• Norris, P. (2018). Democratic Deficit or Democratic Renewal? European Journal of Political Research, 57(2), 193-207.
• Schlozman, K. L., Burns, N., & Verba, S. (2012). The Unanticipated Consequences of Women's Increased Political Representation. American Political Science Review, 106(3), 561–581.