The Circus of Congressional Elections: In this episode, we look at what it takes to win a seat in Congress, compare House and Senate elections, and look into the sources of Fenno's Paradox.

The Circus of Congressional Elections: In this episode, we look at what it takes to win a seat in Congress, compare House and Senate elections, and look into the sources of Fenno's Paradox.

The Circus of Congressional Elections: In this episode, we look at what it takes to win a seat in Congress, compare House and Senate elections, and look into the sources of Fenno's Paradox.

Episode 2. Opening Act

In recent years, Congressional approval ratings and legislative output have been at historic lows, yet the incumbent re-election rate has remained at its typically high level. What factors contribute to these outcomes and explain these apparent disparities? Why does Congress seem to be so dysfunctional? How can Congress continue to do &quot;business as usual&quot; in the face of widespread dissatisfaction? 
In this podcast, we will tackle these questions by examining the structure, organization, powers, and operations of Congress, the Congressional election system, and the legislative and budget processes, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of Congressional politicking, the obstacles to passing legislation, the persistence of protracted budget battles, and the rise in performative politics as part of Congressional practice.

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In recent years, Congressional approval ratings and legislative output have been at historic lows, yet the incumbent re-election rate has remained at its typically high level. What factors contribute to these outcomes and explain these apparent disparities? Why does Congress seem to be so dysfunctional? How can Congress continue to do "business as usual" in the face of widespread dissatisfaction? In this podcast, we will tackle these questions by examining the structure, organization, powers, and operations of Congress, the Congressional election system, and the legislative and budget processes, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of Congressional politicking, the obstacles to passing legislation, the persistence of protracted budget battles, and the rise in performative politics as part of Congressional practice.

In recent years, Congressional approval ratings and legislative output have been at historic lows, yet the incumbent re-election rate has remained at its typically high level. What factors contribute to these outcomes and explain these apparent disparities? Why does Congress seem to be so dysfunctional? How can Congress continue to do "business as usual" in the face of widespread dissatisfaction? 
In this podcast, we will tackle these questions by examining the structure, organization, powers, and operations of Congress, the Congressional election system, and the legislative and budget processes, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of Congressional politicking, the obstacles to passing legislation, the persistence of protracted budget battles, and the rise in performative politics as part of Congressional practice.

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Episode 2. Opening Act

Episode 2. Opening Act