READING: 243-281 in Edwards
Today's Essential Question: Why do members of Congress keep getting re-elected if they have such low approval ratings?
Learning Standards:
PRD-2.C: Explain how the different processes work in U.S. congressional elections.
PRD-2.C.1: The process and outcomes in U.S. Congressional elections are impacted by:
- Incumbency advantage phenomenon
- General (presidential and midterm) elections
Congressional Incumbency Advantage
The approval rating for Congress is currently in the mid-teens. Despite this low number, most members of Congress (typically over 90%) will be re-elected next year. How is this possible?
What are two observations you can make from the data below?
Key Term: Incumbent=the current office holder seeking reelection.
Additional Readings:
Boundless: The Power of Incumbency
The Advantages of Incumbency in Congressional Elections
Why Incumbents Rarely Lose
People Hate Congress. But Most Incumbents Get Re-elected. What Gives?
Review Videos:
