why does a member of congress vote as he or she does? like their race, gender, all that stuff.
and where does the true power of congress lie?
http://www.google.com/search?q=congress+members+vote&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA
There are many articles and websites in the results above that will give you information. Congress includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate, so you're referring to over 530 people. Why these legislators vote as they do is not a simple question. Be sure to read several of these articles to get a sense of what happens.
When it comes to why members of Congress vote the way they do, there are several factors that can influence their decisions. While race, gender, and other personal characteristics can play a role in shaping their perspectives, they are not the sole determinants of their voting patterns. Here are a few key factors to consider:
1. Ideology: Members of Congress often vote based on their political ideologies. They align themselves with a particular party and adhere to the principles and policy positions associated with it. This alignment guides their voting decisions to a large extent.
2. Constituents' Interests: Members of Congress are elected representatives who aim to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. They consider the feedback they receive from their constituents, engage in dialogue with them, and take their perspectives and needs into account when voting.
3. Party Influence: Political parties exert significant influence on the voting behavior of their members in Congress. Party leaders may dictate certain positions or prioritize specific bills, and party discipline is often encouraged to maintain unity and effectively advocate for shared policy goals.
4. Special Interests and Donations: Members of Congress may be influenced by special interest groups, lobbyists, and campaign donations. These external factors can shape their voting decisions, as they may feel compelled to support certain policies or interests tied to their donors or supporters.
Regarding the true power of Congress, it lies within a series of key functions and authorities granted to it by the United States Constitution. Here are a few examples:
1. Legislative Power: Congress has the primary responsibility for making laws. Members of Congress propose, debate, and pass legislation that affects various aspects of governance, including domestic and foreign policy, budgetary matters, and social issues.
2. Oversight of Executive Branch: Congress has the power to hold the executive branch accountable through oversight activities, which include conducting investigations, hearings, and inquiries. This helps ensure that the executive branch is acting in accordance with the law and serving the best interests of the nation.
3. Appropriations: Congress has the authority to control government spending by approving the federal budget and allocating funds to different government agencies and programs. This power grants Congress significant influence over national priorities and policies.
4. Impeachment: Congress has the sole power to impeach and remove the President, Vice President, and other federal officials from their positions if they commit "high crimes and misdemeanors."
In summary, members of Congress vote based on a combination of factors, including political ideology, constituent interests, party influence, and outside influences. The true power of Congress lies in its legislative authority, oversight responsibilities, control over federal spending, and the ability to impeach and remove federal officials.