Policy Responsiveness to Shifting Majorities: US House Members Respond to Hard Times (original) (raw)

Abstract: In theory, students of democracy hold that voting is the hallmark of a responsive government. One measure of responsive government is the fit between citizens' policy expectations and those of their agents, the elected officials. We examine fluctuations in federal awards and assistance to House districts over three election cycles (2002 through 2006) for their responsiveness to observable changes in members' reelection constituencies. We anticipate that changes in the makeup of voters will alter the number ...