Final answer:
The personal staff workforce of House & Senate members has increased significantly in the past decades, driven by a shift towards a more service-oriented role and the complexity of federal programs. The professionalization of legislative staff and lobbying, along with the changing composition of Congress, has influenced this trend.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the last few decades, House & Senate members have experienced a significant increase in the number of personal staff they hire. This growth is a result of the broadening role of legislators from mainly policymaking to include a stronger focus on constituency service. As federal programs and bureaucratic complexities have expanded, so has the demand from citizens for assistance in navigating these systems. In response, legislators have continually added to their capacity to deliver assistance, hiring more staff to cater to these needs. This not only aids in serving their constituents but also reinforces their re-election prospects by building credibility among voters and creating the perception of nonpartisan district services.
Moreover, the professionalization of politics extends beyond individual members of Congress, reflecting changes in the wider legislative environment. For example, the increase in contract lobbying firms over the past three decades has introduced more sophisticated lobbying tactics and a greater emphasis on the relationships between lobbyists and lawmakers. Meanwhile, the fluctuation in the number of moderates in Congress and the perceived growth in interpretation of earmarks as corruption have influenced legislative work styles and policy outcomes. In contrast, members of the Senate differ from the House in their approach, often focusing on broad statewide interests and having more flexibility to respond to constituents' demands due to their longer terms.