Why is it often counterproductive for party leaders in American politics to discipline members of their party in government for not voting with their party?
a. A politician who wields enough power to impose discipline on another member of Congress raises suspicions and jealousies in both their party and the electorate.
b. Because of the local basis of American elections, officials who vote against their constituents interests or opinions may be voted out of office.
c. Discipline by party leaders may drive the offending lawmaker to another party, potentially depriving the party of a majority.
d. Disciplining their fellow lawmakers often results in creating factions within the party rather than encouraging party unity.
e. Party leaders who take it upon themselves to force lawmakers to vote a certain way are often voted out of office in the next election.
Question 2
To what extent are members of the party in government bound by the party platform?
a. All members of the party in government sign the platform in acknowledgement of its planks, but they are not required to follow it.
b. Certain planks of the platform require an oath of loyalty from members of the party in government.
c. In order to retain the party label, all members of the party in government are bound to the entirety of the platform.
d. No member of the party in government must follow the platform.
e. The highest ranking members of the party in government are bound by the platform, but lower members are given more leeway.
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American Government: Roots and Reform, 2009 Edition
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