House and Senate members are called upon to cast a large number of votes each year - in 2008, 690 recorded votes in the House and 215 in the Senate. They might be voting on budgets, amendments to bills, second or third readings, bills from conference committees, constitutional amendments, or in the Senate on treaties or appointments made by the president. And they will probably be rushing to the floor to cast their vote, having just broken off a committee hearing or a meeting with constituents or staff.
What factors make them vote as they do? In the UK House of Commons, the answer would be quite simple - party. But in the US Congress, political parties are only one of a number of factors that determine the way members vote.
Consider six important determinants of voting:
(1) Political party
(2) Constituents
(3) The administration
(4) Pressure groups
(5) Colleagues and staff
(6) Personal beliefs
The important of these will vary from one politician to another and from on vote to another.
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