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The lawmaker’s personal temperament influences decisions.

The nature of the issue also plays a role in how a lawmaker votes.

Congressional staffers also influence decisions.

They influence which issues a member chooses to present or comment on in committee meetings.

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most members’ votes often reflect their constituents’ opinions.

issues where constituents have less information lawmakers often make up their own minds.

voters may not even be aware of all the issues lawmakers are considering.

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lawmakers make frequent trips home to learn the local voters’ concerns.

During visits, they try to speak with as many voters as possible about issues of concern.

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Lawmakers pay attention to the messages left in their offices every day.

Lawmakers are usually interested only in messages from their constituents or from special-interest groups.

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lawmakers send questionnaires to their constituents asking for their opinions on various issues.

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members of Congress voted with their party more than 80 percent of the time.

party voting is much stronger on some issues than others.

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party members tend to share the same political outlook.

many lawmakers do not have strong opinions on every issue.

party leaders put pressure on members to vote according to the party position

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Every president tries to influence Congress to pass the bills he or she supports.

Presidents influence individual members of Congress by supporting or opposing their legislative goals.

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Lobbyists try to convince members of Congress to support policies favored by the groups they represent.

Interest groups focus their attention on congressional committees.

Lobbyists use many methods to influence members of Congress

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Lawmakers respond to thousands of requests from voters for help in dealing with executive agencies.

complain that voters claim to want less government in their lives, but they want more from their representatives.

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caseworkers handle constituent problems.

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it helps get lawmakers reelected.

a way for Congress to monitor the performance of the executive branch.

helping voters with problems is part of what lawmakers are supposed to do.

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Congress appropriates billions of dollars for local projects.

Public works projects bring jobs and money into a state or district.

They share the belief that getting federal projects for the home state is a key part of their job.

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they try to make sure their districts get their fair share of the available federal grants.

these contracts are a vital source of money and jobs and can radically affect the economy of a state.

members of Congress do not vote on grants and contracts.