THE POLITICAL EFFECT OF CASEWORK ON CONGRESS, THE CONGRESSMAN AND THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

• Main Author: MASON, JOHN DREW
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-1987
• Subjects: Political science
• ISBN: 9798206786460

This dissertation inquires into the dynamics of the constituent service function that is part and parcel of every congressional office. It reviews the relevant literature, defines and describes casework, and establishes a methodology by which the impact of casework is measured and compared. Public opinion sampling was chosen as the main research technique in order to take advantage of the availability of current case files in a congressional office. The case subjects were sampled and the results were compared with another survey of national reputation. The purpose of this study was to test the primary hypothesis that by engaging in the casework activity, members of Congress stimulate within the constituent positive feelings of efficacy, trust and approval with regard to the member himself, his institution, the Congress of the United States, and the American political system in general. Although it is acknowledged that the preponderance of scholarly opinion contends that constituent service tends to lock in the political support of the affected constituent for the member, this dissertation concludes that casework does not necessarily make that kind of impact. It was not found that casework, in a general sense, generates feelings of support for the member or an attitude of approval or trust for either the Congress or the government.