Strategic Party Government

Why Winning Trumps Ideology

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government
Cover of the book Strategic Party Government by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo ISBN: 9780226424743
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: January 30, 2017
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
ISBN: 9780226424743
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: January 30, 2017
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

Why is Congress mired in partisan polarization? The conventional answer is that members of Congress and their constituencies fundamentally disagree with one other along ideological lines. But Gregory Koger and Matthew J. Lebo uncover a more compelling reason that today’s political leaders devote so much time to conveying their party’s positions, even at the expense of basic government functions: Both parties want to win elections.
In Strategic Party Government, Koger and Lebo argue that Congress is now primarily a forum for partisan competition. In order to avoid losing, legislators unite behind strong party leaders, even when they do not fully agree with the policies their party is advocating. They do so in the belief that party leaders and voters will reward them for winning—or at least trying to win—these legislative contests. And as the parties present increasingly united fronts, partisan competition intensifies and pressure continues to mount for a strong party-building strategy—despite considerable disagreement within the parties.

By bringing this powerful but underappreciated force in American politics to the forefront, Koger and Lebo provide a new interpretation of the problems facing Congress that is certain to reset the agenda for legislative studies.
 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why is Congress mired in partisan polarization? The conventional answer is that members of Congress and their constituencies fundamentally disagree with one other along ideological lines. But Gregory Koger and Matthew J. Lebo uncover a more compelling reason that today’s political leaders devote so much time to conveying their party’s positions, even at the expense of basic government functions: Both parties want to win elections.
In Strategic Party Government, Koger and Lebo argue that Congress is now primarily a forum for partisan competition. In order to avoid losing, legislators unite behind strong party leaders, even when they do not fully agree with the policies their party is advocating. They do so in the belief that party leaders and voters will reward them for winning—or at least trying to win—these legislative contests. And as the parties present increasingly united fronts, partisan competition intensifies and pressure continues to mount for a strong party-building strategy—despite considerable disagreement within the parties.

By bringing this powerful but underappreciated force in American politics to the forefront, Koger and Lebo provide a new interpretation of the problems facing Congress that is certain to reset the agenda for legislative studies.
 

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Sacred Mandates by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Tunnel Visions by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Sojourners in a Strange Land by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book The Evolution of Imagination by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book The Construction of Homosexuality by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Why Are You Here and Not Somewhere Else by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Serengeti IV by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Posthumous Love by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Edge of Irony by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Aristotle's "Politics" by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book How Dogs Work by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Metropolitan Jews by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Innovation Policy and the Economy, 2017 by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book Trapped in America's Safety Net by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
Cover of the book The Gestation of German Biology by Gregory Koger, Matthew J. Lebo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy