Final answer:
The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with political party affiliation, as members usually vote along party lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with political party affiliation. This is substantiated by research which indicates that many voters rely on heuristics like political party membership to make decisions, especially in races with limited information about candidates. Political parties adopt platforms that align with sets of beliefs, and members of Congress typically follow the ideologies of their respective parties when voting on legislation.
Further research into voting behavior shows that those who are more settled and connected to society, such as those with higher incomes, more education, steady employment, and longer residence in a community, are more likely to vote. Campaigns often target groups already most likely to vote, which aligns with patterns showing more married, employed, and well-educated individuals, with at least a middle-class level of income, as frequent voters. This suggests that politicians may cater more to these groups' interests, as they are the ones that tend to vote in higher numbers.