Members of Congress often have to weigh their constituents' views with what they believe is correct and beneficial for the nation. The nature of representative democracy and the desire for re-election often play significant roles in these decisions.
The reason why members of Congress may not choose to 'do the right thing' even if it’s contradicting the views of their constituents is mainly due to the representative democracy nature of most political systems, including the United States. Congress members have the responsibility to represent the views and interests of the people in their respective districts or states because they are chosen by these groups through elections. Therefore, deviating from their constituents' desires could jeopardize their likelihood of re-election.
However, it's worth noting that sometimes a Congress member may choose to make a decision they believe is correct and in the best interest of the nation, even if it's not popular among their constituents. This often involves a complex calculation concerning their interpretation of the issues, the potential long-term impacts, and the immediate reaction of their constituents.
Learn more about Political Decision Making