Ambition, Competition, and Electoral Reform: The Politics of Congressional Elections Across Time

By Jason Matthew Roberts and Jamie L. Carson

Book Overview

In Ambition, Competition, and Electoral Reform , Jamie L. Carson and Jason M. Roberts present an original study of U.S. congressional elections and electoral institutions for 1872-1944 from a contemporary political science perspective. Using data on late nineteenth and early twentieth century congressional elections, the authors test the applicability in a historical context of modern political science theories, assess the effects of institutional reforms, and identify the factors that shape the competitiveness of elections. They present several key findings: the strategic politicians theory is applicable in an era without candidate-centered campaigns; there was an incumbency advantage prior to the full development of candidate-centered campaigns; institutional reforms have had a significant effect on elections; and the degree of electoral competition frequently correlates with elected officials' responsiveness to citizens.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0472118641
• ISBN13: 9780472118649
• Release Date: January 2013
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"