Answer:
Members of Congress are often thought to be "single-minded seekers of re-election," as suggested by Mayhew. This theory suggests that members of Congress are primarily concerned with their own political survival and will prioritize their own re-election over the needs of their constituents or the greater good of the country.
There is some evidence to support this theory. For example, research has shown that members of Congress tend to focus their efforts on constituent services and pork barrel projects, which are designed to bring tangible benefits to their districts, in order to improve their chances of re-election. These efforts can sometimes come at the expense of more significant policy decisions or broader national interests.
However, it is important to note that members of Congress also have other factors that influence their decision-making. For example, the "home style" of a member, or the way in which they interact with their constituents and engage with their local community, can also play a role in their decision-making. Members who have a more collaborative and consultative home style may be more inclined to consider the views of their constituents when making decisions, while those with a more directive home style may be more likely to prioritize their own views and beliefs.
Pork barrel projects, or narrowly targeted spending initiatives that are designed to benefit a specific district or group, are also a significant factor in congressional decision-making. While dishing out pork can be a recipe for electoral success, as it brings tangible benefits to a member's district, it can also contribute to legislative gridlock if members are unwilling to compromise on their own pork projects in order to pass broader legislation.
The threat of legislative gridlock can sometimes be a necessary evil to force members of Congress to compromise and find common ground. However, it can also lead to inaction and a lack of progress on important issues.
The decisions of members of Congress may also be influenced by the overall political climate, such as whether the government is divided or whether the president is in the "lame duck" portion of their term. During times of divided government, members may be more likely to prioritize their party's goals and ideologies over finding common ground with the opposition. Similarly, during the "lame duck" period, members may be more likely to take bolder, less politically risky positions as they are no longer facing the prospect of re-election.
In terms of theoretical roles, it is likely that most members of Congress exhibit a combination of the delegate, trustee, and politico roles when making decisions. Delegates are primarily concerned with representing the views of their constituents, trustees prioritize their own judgment and expertise, and politicos are primarily motivated by political considerations and the pursuit of re-election. The specific balance of these roles may vary from member to member and may also shift depending on the specific circumstances and context of the decision at hand.
Overall, it is clear that there are a number of factors that influence the decision-making of members of Congress, including the pursuit of re-election, the "home style" of the member, pork barrel projects, the threat of legislative gridlock, the political climate, and the individual member's theoretical role.