Is the increased importance of parties in congressional politics since the 1970s good for representation?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students could take a variety of views here but should clearly define what they mean by representation (i.e., delegate, trustee, or something else), make a clear argument about how the importance of parties has influenced representation, and provide evidence for this claim. Students might note that ideological sorting among voters may reduce cross-pressures on members, making delegate-style representation easier. They might also note that a need to respond to a polarized activist base could make deliberation and compromise, and thus the trustee model of representation, more challenging.