Congressmen's Voting Decisions

by John W. Kingdon

Congressmen’s Voting Decisions, now in its third edition, is a classic, influential analysis of how members of the U.S. House of Representatives decide how to vote. Drawing on extensive, in-depth interviews with legislators, staff, lobbyists, and other actors in the policymaking process, John W. Kingdon moves beyond abstract theories to examine the real-world influences and rules of thumb that guide floor voting.Combining statistical analysis with qualitative fieldwork, Kingdon identifies and clarifies the roles played by various actors—including constituents, fellow congressmen, party and committee leaders, interest groups, the administration, staff, and the mass media. He argues that, far from being dominated by one factor, legislative decision-making is nuanced and adaptive, with members weighing information sources, constituency expectations, interpersonal cues, and their own policy attitudes. The book explores the pressures of modern congressional service, the rise of decentralized power through subcommittees and increased staff, and the evolving impact of campaign finance and party polarization.Revised to reflect key changes in the institution from the 1970s through the 1980s—including the rise of single-issue advocacy, institutional reforms, and the impact of divided government—this edition offers readers a rich framework for understanding both enduring patterns and contemporary developments in legislative behavior.Essential reading for students of American politics, political scientists, and informed citizens, Congressmen’s Voting Decisions remains a foundational work for anyone interested in what truly shapes the decisions in America’s legislative branch.

Genres: Political Science

374 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1973

About the author

John Wells Kingdon (born 1940) is Professor Emeritus and was Acting Chair of Political Science (1989-1990 when the Chair, Jack L. Walker, was on leave) at the University of Michigan. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was a Guggenheim fellow. He resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A record of the voting patterns of members of Congress for recorded votes. A reference what bills/laws individual members have supported or opposed.