Issue Voting in a Polarized Era: Ideology, Constituencies and Policy-Making in Congress

Abstract

Polarization in the modern Congress creates an atmosphere in which the liberal to conservative ideological structure dominates political conflict. Members of Congress (MCs) vote principally based on their own ideological preferences with relative stability, and there is evidence that preferences are diverging between the two major parties. But in a system of district-based representation, MCs must consider the implications of their voting behavior on their electoral fortunes. In a geographically vast multicultural and multiethnic democracy like the United States, regional variety in economic incentives and cultural perspectives means that each legislator faces unique concerns. In previous eras, regional disputes like slavery, "free silver," or civil rights provided the dominant divisions within parties. In the contemporary Congress, marked by its evident and growing polarization, can issue politics still provide an important dimension in congressional decision-making? Or should ideological models that incorporate issue politics guide our understanding? This research considers issue voting in an era of polarization and explores the impact of these diverse interests on policy voting in Congress. The results suggest that dimensionality, or the appearance of multiple dimensions of preferences beyond the typical liberal-conservative continuum, are evident in the modern Congress. In looking at salient policy issue areas like environmental, immigration and abortion policy, there is evidence of a voting calculus that incorporates the concerns of district economic and cultural interests. Since some MCs may prioritize their primary constituency above general election interests, these issue dimensions can be suppressed. These findings help shape an understanding of voting behavior within Congress and our understanding of representation in American democracy.