FRQ 11

When running for office in Congress, there are many advantages when you are incumbent. According to the data from the graph, the House of Reoresentatives has a higher incumbency rate than the Senate, a rate that has only risen over the years. While incumbency rates are more variable in the Senate, they have increased overall as well. The incumbency advantage comes from manly places. Firstly, they have more resources for campaign fundraising. More money for a campaign means more money to spend on ads and media attention. Incumbents are generally more well known than their challengers and that also helps. People are more likely to vote for someone they have heard about rather than some up and coming stranger. The fact ther they were elected pars and have experience contributes as well because incumbents can point to policies and claim credit for them, further bolstering their position and giving them a bigger resume. The advantage of incumbents in races has also negatively affected the political process. For example, change is much slower and/or less likely when the same individuals are elected over and over. Also, Congress is less representative than it should be. Historically, white, older, Protestant men are elected and the incumbency factor blocks out females and minorities in House and Senate races.  

(2001_2) the graph above shows reelection rates for incumbents in the House and Senate. From this information and your knowledge of of the US politics, perform the following tasks. (Fig 12.1)

a) identify two patterns displayed in the graph

b) identify 2 factors that contribute to incumbency advantage. Explain how each factor contributes to incumbency advantage.

c) Discuss one consequence of incumbency advantage for the US political process

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/sg_govpol_us_01_7046.pdf