Tyranny of the Minority: The Subconstituency Politics Theory of Representation

by Benjamin Bishin

Overview

Why do politicians frequently heed the preferences of small groups of citizens over those of the majority? Breaking new theoretical ground, Benjamin Bishin explains how the desires of small groups, which he calls “subconstituencies,” often trump the preferences of much larger groups.

Tyranny of the Minority provides a “unified theory of representation,” based in social psychology and identity theory, to explain how citizens’ intensity fosters knowledge and participation and drives candidates’ behavior in campaigns and legislators' behavior in Congress. Demonstrating the wide applicability of the theory, Bishin traces politicians' behavior in connection with a wide range of issues, including the Cuban trade embargo, the extension of hate-crimes legislation to protect gay men and lesbians, the renewal of the assault-weapons ban, abortion politics, and Congress's attempt to recognize the Armenian genocide. He offers a unique explanation of when, why, and how special interests dominate American national politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781592136605
Publisher:	Temple University Press
Publication date:	03/27/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Benjamin G. Bishin is associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside.

Table of Contents

Preface 
1. “¡Quitemos a Castro Ahora!” 
2. The Subconstituency Politics Theory of Representation 
3. Overcoming Ignorance and Apathy: Testing Individual-Level Implications of Representation Theories 
4. Subconstituencies in Campaigns 
5. Subconstituencies in Congress 
6. Heterogeneity and Representation Reconsidered 
7. The Myth of Issue Visibility 
8. Conclusion 
Notes 
References 
Index

Editorial Reviews

In Tyranny of the Minority, Bishin makes a valuable contribution to the literature by asking why minorities sometimes get their way over majority wishes. He makes a compelling case, presenting the conflicting implications of majoritarian representation models. This is a very well-written, clear and interesting book, and Bishin’s work invites vigorous future debate.  If you are interested in democratic theory, the logic of representation, and congress in general, you will want to read this book.”—Robin Kolodny, Temple University


"The power of some minority groups to continually fend off majority interests through democratic representation has long been under-theorized. Bishin's fascinating and empirically sophisticated account of subconstituency politics is a welcome remedy, and it is absolutely vital for any understanding of American democracy." —Paul Frymer, Princeton University

From the Publisher