Specialization and logrolling essays

Specialization and logrolling essays Specialization is the element whereby Congressmen become experts at the topics of the Committees or Subcommittees on which they serve. Through their prior knowledge and experience, they can grow to be more adept and knowledgeable about the legislative topic that they are dealing with. Over time, they gain respect as authoritative figures on the issue. This affects the legislative process by allowing those who are qualified to make key decisions on the committee level. It builds faith that the members of a committee know what they are doing, and can be trusted to make informed decisions. It also increases the influence of members of the committee, because other less-knowledgeable colleagues can turn to them for advice in regards to which way to vote on a measure. Reciprocity/logrolling is mutual aid and vote trading among legislators. Congressman A tells Congressman B that if A votes in support of X, then in return B will vote for Y. A member may vote with a colleague in the expectation that the colleague will later vote for a measure about which the member is concerned. This affects the legislative process by allowing Congressmen to build up coalitions of support for measures that would otherwise not garner enough support. It allows more pork-barrel spending to pass through, because other members may owe it to the representative of that area. Two ways that part leadership can influence the legislative process are by the strong influence that they have over the voting of members of their party, and through the vast amounts of control that they have over the legislative process in general. Members generally vote with their party. Party leaders do their best to get members to vote together. In the House, this has the effect of drawing members to the two political extremes. Party differences have become more pronounced, pitting Republicans against Democrats, and voting on major bills oft ...