The Nationalization of Congressional Politics: Reshaping What Voters Expect and Get from Representatives

This book examines the consequences of nationalization for members of Congress and the voters they represent. Constituents have come to evaluate their elected representatives on the basis of their national policy records. Although the public expects the government to tackle important problems, many of the most engaged voters are also the most uncompromising—a fact that carries important legislative implications. During campaigns, candidates reflect these expectations back to voters by empha...